Autoimmune thrombocytopenia in chronic myeloid leukemia treated with interferon-alpha: differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis

Leuk Lymphoma. 2003 Dec;44(12):2103-8. doi: 10.1080/1042819031000123447.

Abstract

Interferon-alpha (INF-alpha) is an effective anti-neoplastic and anti-viral drug. Treatment with INF-alpha is frequently complicated by adverse effects, which may rarely be immune mediated. We report 2 patients with Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who developed autoimmune thrombocytopenia while receiving months of treatment with INF-alpha. This complication responded well to discontinuation of interferon and administration of steroids treatment. Here, we also summarize the literature on INF-alpha induced autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and discuss differential diagnosis and possible mechanisms involved in the development of thrombocytopenia during therapy with INF-alpha.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnosis*
  • Thrombocytopenia / pathology

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha