RECURRENCE OF PEMPHIGUS-VULGARIS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERLEUKIN-2 THERAPY

Background: Immunotherapy with recombinant interleukin 2 may result in regression of metastatic cancer, particularly malignant melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Observations: We describe a patient who received interleukin 2 immunotherapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Afte r his second course of treatment, he developed a recurrence of pemphig us vulgaris that had been in remission for 10 years. Conclusions: Inte rleukin 2 therapy may be associated with recurrence of an autoimmune d isease, perhaps because of its ability to stimulate autoantibody produ ction.