Complications of alpha-interferon therapy for aggressive central giant cell lesion of the maxilla

Treatment of giant cell lesions of the jaws is currently a subject of acute interest in the maxillofacial community. Based on their presumptive histological and biological similarities to both the “brown tumors” of hyperparathyroidism as well as proliferative vascular lesions, both calcitonin and interferon alpha administration have been attempted in patients suffering from these lesions. We present a case report of one young female in which both of these treatment modalities were instituted. We also discuss a rarely reported complication consisting of drug-induced lupus erythematosis and pancreatitis secondary to interferon alpha use.