title: The relapse of hairy cell leukemia after a 32-year remission.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Temple
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: McCoy
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I