Cyclosporine A alleviates severe anaemia associated with refractory large granular lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis

Br J Haematol. 1996 May;93(2):406-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1996.5061047.x.

Abstract

Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukaemia and chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis (CNKL) are chronic indolent disorders often associated with neutropenia and constitutional symptoms. Severe anaemia occurs in about 20% of patients and is currently treated with corticosteroids followed by oral cyclophosphamide in non-responders. 30% of patients fail initial measures, and salvage therapy is inadequate. We describe three transfusion-dependent patients (two with T-LGL leukaemia, one with CNKL) refractory to corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and in one case fludarabine. Cyclosporine A (CSA) initiation resulted in prompt transfusion-independence and was well tolerated in all patients, making it an attractive alternative therapy for this disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anemia / drug therapy*
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / complications*
  • Lymphocytosis / complications
  • Lymphocytosis / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Cyclosporine