A case report of T cell prolymphocytic leukemia and Kaposi sarcoma and a review of T cell prolymphocytic leukemia

Acta Haematol. 2012;127(4):235-43. doi: 10.1159/000336241. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

Abstract

T cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare mature T cell lymphoproliferative disease. It has been associated with an aggressive course, a poor response to conventional chemotherapy and a short median survival. Here we present a rare case of concurrent T-PLL and Kaposi sarcoma who achieved a complete hematologic and cytogenetic remission after a very short course of treatment with alemtuzumab. A review of T-PLL was done. In this review, clinical features, laboratory features and current therapeutic strategies of T-PLL are presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD52 Antigen
  • Glycoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, T-Cell / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, T-Cell / immunology
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, T-Cell / therapy*
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / immunology
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / radiotherapy
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / therapy*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CD52 Antigen
  • CD52 protein, human
  • Glycoproteins
  • Alemtuzumab