Reversible cardiomyopathy after interferon-gamma for cutaneous T cell lymphoma: A report of two cases

Interferons are widely expressed cytokines that possess potent anti-viral and anti-tumor activity. As therapeutic agents, interferons have proven useful in treating assorted cancers, chronic infections, and autoimmune disease. However, interferon therapy has well-known adverse effects, including flu-like symptoms, depression, triggering of autoimmune phenomena, and dose-dependent cytopenias. In this report, we describe two cases of congestive heart failure occurring after treatment with interferon-gamma (a type II interferon) for advanced cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Based on existing mechanistic studies, both the potentiation of autoimmunity and the direct cytotoxic effects of interferons on the myocardium may account for this uncommon adverse effect of interferon therapy.