title: T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: report of a case and review of the literature.
abstract: We recently observed a unique case of T-cell type chronic lymphocytic leukemia, documented by cell surface marker analyses. Immunologic tests at the time of diagnosis were as follows: 1) skin tests were negative; 2) in vitro lymphocyte responses to antigens or pokeweed mitogen were absent; 3) in vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin-A or allogeneic cells were low but significant; and 4) stimulating capacity of leukemic T cells were absent. Chromosomal analysis of bone marrow showed a pattern of 45 chromosomes with a marker chromosome. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity was very low. Patient responded extremely well to COP (cyclophosphamide-oncovin-prednisone) therapy. Patient died of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma while his leukemia was in complete remission, approximately 20 months after the diagnosis of T-cell CLL.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008297:Male; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D012397:Rosette Formation; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D008934:Mitogens