Kao HW, Dunn P, Kuo MC, Shih LY, Lin TL, Wu JH, Tang TC, Chang H, Wu HC, Hung YS. Classical hairy cell leukemia and its variant: a 17-year retrospective survey in Taiwan Chinese.
Acta Haematol 2011;
126:186-93. [PMID:
21846972 DOI:
10.1159/000328887]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Classical hairy cell leukemia (HCL-C) and its variant (HCL-V) are rare chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Only a few reports in Chinese patients are available.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with HCL-C and HCL-V in Taiwan over a 17-year period.
RESULTS
Eight were HCL-C and 8 were HCL-V. All HCL accounted for 0.7% of all adult leukemias. Compared to HCL-V, HCL-C was characterized by profound leukopenia, monocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and fewer circulating hairy cells. One HCL-C and 2 HCL-V patients had second malignancies. Seven HCL-C patients achieved hematological remission after splenectomy (n = 1) or 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (n = 6). Of the 8 HCL-V patients, 6 received splenic irradiation. Only one achieved complete remission and another had partial remission; relapse or disease progression was noted 13.4 or 25.7 months later, respectively. Two of three HCL-V patients who underwent splenectomy had stable disease. All patients with HCL-C were alive while 3 with HCL-V expired. Compared to HCL-C, HCL-V had a significantly shorter leukemia-free survival.
CONCLUSION
A relatively higher proportion of HCL-V in all HCL comparing to Westerners is observed. Second malignancies are common. With an inferior outcome and dismal response to most treatment, enrollment in a clinical trial should be considered for HCL-V.
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