Experimental treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with extracorporeal photochemotherapy. Initial observations

Blut. 1990 Apr;60(4):215-8. doi: 10.1007/BF01728786.

Abstract

Based on the encouraging results obtained with extracorporeal photochemotherapy (EP) in the treatment of the exfoliative erythrodermic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), leukemic form, as well as other T-cell-mediated diseases we evaluated the therapeutic potential of EP in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Three patients with B-CLL were treated for a period of 1 year. Two patients showed stabilization of disease, as demonstrated by reduction in their peripheral white blood cell count, with one patient showing lymph-node resolution. A third patient with significant intolerance to previous chemotherapy did not respond within the observed period. No significant side effects of EP were observed. Our observations suggest that EP may have a positive effect on the course of B-CLL in selected patients. Additional clinical trials are warranted to further define the role of EP alone or in combination therapy in the management of B-CLL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Extracorporeal Circulation
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / physiopathology
  • Methoxsalen / adverse effects
  • Methoxsalen / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Methoxsalen