Chronic myeloid leukemia in an ulcerative colitis patient receiving azathioprine: A case report

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Sep;62(9):423-426. doi: 10.5414/CP204603.

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease usually treated by azathioprine. It is a well-established risk factor for colorectal cancers and extraintestinal malignancies. Nevertheless, the risk of myeloid leukemia in patients with UC is less known. We report a case of a 51-year-old patient, with a history of extensive ulcerative colitis, who was treated with azathioprine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. Seven years later, he presented an increased count of white blood cells at 25,400/μL and of platelets at 1,382,000/μL. Peripheral blood smear showed 1% blasts and 20% myelemia. The karyotype showed the Philadelphia chromosome and the RT-PCR revealed the BCR-ABL transcript. Thus, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was confirmed and imatinib was prescribed. This case reported a rare and serious event in a UC patient and illustrates the importance of closely monitoring this population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Azathioprine* / adverse effects
  • Azathioprine* / therapeutic use
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate* / adverse effects
  • Imatinib Mesylate* / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents* / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Azathioprine
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Antineoplastic Agents