Leukopheresis therapy of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (hairy cell
leukemia)
JW Fay, JO Moore, GL Logue and AT Huang
Intensive leukopheresis has been valuable in the short-term palliation of
chronic lymphocytic and granulocytic leukemias. A 47-yr-old man with
refractory leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (hairy cell leukemia) manifested
by anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated peripheral leukemia cell counts,
generalized lymph node enlargement, and leukemic infiltrative skin disease
was treated with serial leukopheresis. Removal of approximately 7 X 10(11)
peripheral leukemia cells resulted in marked clinical and hematologic
improvement with resolution of enlarged lymph nodes and clearing of skin
infiltrates. At the time of this reporting, more than 400 wk since the last
leukopheresis, the patient continues to do well. The improvement in all
blood counts, reduction in lymph node size, and clearing of skin lesions
paralleled the reduction of peripheral leukemia cell load by leukopheresis,
suggesting mobilization of leukemia cells from marrow, lymph nodes, and
skin. Removal of large numbers of leukemia cells in hairy cell leukemia has
the potential of achieving sustained clinical improvement and may be a
useful alternative therapy for these patients.
Volume 54,
Issue 3,
pp. 747-749,
09/01/1979
Copyright © 1979 by The American Society of Hematology
