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

• Published in: British journal of haematology Vol. 93; no. 2; p. 406
• Main Authors: Bible, K C, Tefferi, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-05-1996
• Subjects: 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
• ISSN: 0007-1048
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1996.5061047.x

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.