Autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with the first cycle of fludarabine therapy in the treatment of relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Fludarabine phosphate is a purine analogue now commonly used in the treatment of low-grade lymphoid malignancies. An increased incidence of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is reported with the use of fludarabine for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). CLL already confers a high risk of autoimmune disorders and, although these are recognized in non-Hodgkiin's lymphoma (NHL), they are less common. Immune thrombocytopenia occurring in patients with CLL treated with fludarabine has been reported and we describe a further case in a patient with relapsed NHL. Possible mechanisms of the effect of fludarabine on autoimmune disorders are discussed.
Churn
M
M
Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, Bebington, UK. mchurn@hotmail.com
Clough
V
V
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012008:Recurrence; D014740:Vidarabine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014740:Vidarabine; C024352:fludarabine