Long-term responses and outcomes following immunosuppressive therapy in large granular lymphocyte leukemia-associated pure red cell aplasia: a Nationwide Cohort Study in Japan for the PRCA Collaborative Study Group

Haematologica. 2008 Oct;93(10):1555-9. doi: 10.3324/haematol.12871. Epub 2008 Jul 18.

Abstract

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia-associated pure red cell aplasia accounts for a significant portion of secondary pure red cell aplasia cases. However, because of its rarity, long-term responses and relapse rates after immunosuppressive therapy are largely unknown. We conducted a nationwide survey in Japan and collected 185 evaluable patients. Fourteen patients with large granular lymphocyte leukemia-associated pure red cell aplasia were evaluated. Cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A and prednisolone produced remissions in 6/8, 1/4 and 0/2 patients respectively. Seven and 5 patients were maintained on cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine A respectively. Two patients relapsed after stopping cyclophosphamide, and 2 patients relapsed during maintenance therapy with cyclosporine A. The median relapse-free survival in the cyclophosphamide - and the cyclosporine A groups was 53 and 123 months respectively. Large granular lymphocyte leukemia-associated pure red cell aplasia showed a good response to either cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine A. Most patients continued to receive maintenance therapy and it remains uncertain whether cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine A can induce a maintenance-free hematologic response in large granular lymphocyte leukemia-associated pure red cell aplasia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic / epidemiology*
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic / etiology
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / complications
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / epidemiology*
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / immunology*
  • Remission Induction
  • Salvage Therapy
  • Survival Rate
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents