title: Lymphoplasmacytic/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma: a clinical entity distinct from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia?
abstract: Clinical data of 116 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and of 114 patients with lymphoplasmacytic/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (synonym: LP immunocytoma, IC) as diagnosed according to the Kiel classification were compared. This interim evaluation of a prospective multicenter study of the Kiel Lymphoma Study Group characterizes IC the less favorable lymphoma entity as evidenced by a more rapid lymph node enlargement, by a higher incidence of constitutional symptoms and of marked anaemia, and by a higher percentage of patients requiring early treatment. In addition, in IC autoimmune haemolytic anaemia was detected in 11.2% of investigated patients as compared to none of the patients with CLL, and monoclonal gammopathy was disclosed in 34.2% of investigated patients as compared to only three patients with CLL who could be, however, unrecognized cases of IC. Actuarial survival data after a follow-up period of 40 months are in favor of an overall better prognosis of patients with CLL than of patients with IC.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006942:Hypergammaglobulinemia / Q000209:etiology; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis