The relapse of hairy cell leukemia after a 32-year remission.
The optimum therapy for hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is controversial. Dramatic responses to interferon-alpha and 2'-deoxycoformycin overshadow the established role of splenectomy in HCL, and patients currently can avoid surgery altogether. A case is presented of clinical remission lasting 32 years after splenectomy--a prolonged normal life, without medication or medical intervention. When relapse occurred, the patient's response to interferon-alpha was prompt and predictable. Prognostic variables are an important consideration at the time of diagnosis in predicting the response to splenectomy.
Temple
J D
JD
Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136.
Harrington
W J
WJ
McCoy
C B
CB
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D013156:Splenectomy; D013997:Time Factors
D007370:Interferon Type I