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.