Hypothyroidism and immunotherapy using interferon or interleukin for metastatic renal adenocarcinoma
Sibert, L.; Planet, M.; Kuhn, J.M.; Annoot, M.; Boillot, B.; Grise, P.
Progres en Urologie Journal de l'Association Francaise d'Urologie et de la Societe Francaise d'Urologie 4(4): 582-587
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 1166-7087 PMID: 7920735 Document Number: 426096
The authors report a case of hypothyroidism occurring during cytokine treatment of metastatic renal cancer. This is a relatively rare complication of immunotherapy, whose aetiopathogenesis remains unclear. Possible hypotheses include an autoimmune process or direct toxicity. Thyroid function tests at the start of immunotherapy and regular monitoring are therefore recommended during treatment with interferon and/or interleukin. If hypothyroidism is not recognised, its clinical symptoms and signs could be attributed to cytokine toxicity, leading to unwarranted discontinuation of treatment when L-thyroxin replacement therapy would have been sufficient.