Leukemic presentation of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Leukaemic relapse of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK negative

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), ALK negative (ALK-) is an aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder of mature T lymphocytes characterised by hallmark cells, CD30 positivity and lacking ALK protein expression. ALCL, ALK- has to be differentiated from peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. ALK- anaplastic large cell leukaemia should be considered in a patient with a history of ALCL, ALK- presenting with new leukaemia. We report a rare presentation of relapsed ALCL, ALK- with leukaemia after autologous stem cell transplantation in a 57-year-old male. Leukaemia, either as primary presentation or secondary transformation confers worse prognosis in ALCL, ALK- with very few cases reported so far. Emergency resuscitation with leukapheresis and treatment of tumour lysis syndrome along with supportive care should be followed by combination chemotherapy. Brentuximab vedotin and stem cell transplantation are the backbone of treatment for relapsed/refractory disease.

Leukemic phase of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a patient who is on androgenic steroids: A case report

ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a peripheral T-cell lymphoma that usually involves lymph nodes or extranodal sites. Leukemic phase of ALK-negative ALCL is exceedingly rare and often carries a poor prognosis. Androgenic steroids have gained popularity among the young, and at higher doses, it can result in immune dysregulation and may be potentially carcinogenic. Case presentation: A 30-year-old gentleman of Malay ethnicity presented to the hematology department with night fevers, loss of weight and bony pain for the past 6 weeks. He is a gymnasium instructor with a history of chronic usage of intramuscular testosterone enanthate. Physical examination revealed ecchymosis over the left elbow and hepatomegaly. A complete blood count depicted anemia, thrombocytopenia and leucocytosis. An 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG PET/CT) imaging showed a hypermetabolic anterior mediastinal mass of 6.8 × 7.0 × 6.5 cm with diffuse hypermetabolism in the liver, spleen and axial skeleton. The bone marrow trephine and mediastinal tissue histology were consistent with leukemic ALK-negative ALCL. He was treated with CHOEP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisolone) induction chemotherapy in which he required intensive antibiotic and blood support. He progressed with worsening B symptoms and new diffuse lymphadenopathies suggesting rapid dissemination of the disease. He subsequently succumbed to multiorgan failure with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy at the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Leukemic phase ALK-negative ALCL often carries a complex karyotype and requires early intensive polychemotherapy. Use of anabolic steroids depletes the ability of defending lymphocytes to remove tumour producing cells.

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Clinicopathological correlation is imperative in the diagnosis of leukemic phase ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

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Leukemic phase ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma progresses rapidly if the diagnosis is delayed.

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Anabolic steroids compromises the immune system and depletes the ability of lymphocytes to remove tumour producing cells.