Prolonged survival in two cases of T-prolymphocytic leukemias with complex hypodiploid chromosomal abnormalities
Yokohama, A.; Karasawa, M.; Takada, S.; Matsushima, T.; Murakami, H.; Miyao, S.; Sato, S.; Naruse, T.
Journal of Medicine 31(3-4): 183-194
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7850 PMID: 11280450 Document Number: 518469
We encountered two cases of T-prolymphocytic leukemias (T-PLL) with complex hypodiploid chromosomal abnormalities. Both cases showed mild organomegaly and marked leukocytosis (144.5 x 10(9)/L, 102.6 x 10(9)/L, respectively). Although both cases developed into refractory progressive diseases at the terminal stage, the oral administration of dexamethasone was very effective for leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia in case 1 and oral cyclophosphamide was effective for reducing elevated leukocytes and the organomegaly in case 2. Despite the poor prognosis of T-PLL, our cases showed that less toxic therapies such as oral dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide may be the treatment of choice for patients with an indolent phase of T-PLL. Our study and previously reported findings suggest that complex hypodiploid chromosomal abnormalities are characteristic in T-PLL.