2-CdA in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia: a review of long-term follow-up.
Hairy cell leukemia is a rare, indolent, chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the proliferation of a malignant B-cell clone with irregular cytoplasmic projections. Treatment with purine analogs such as 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) is associated with excellent remission rates and long-term survival. Although the majority of patients achieve a complete remission (CR), most have minimal residual disease detected by sensitive methods. Despite the long term disease-free survival, approximately 36% of patients relapse and many require further therapy. Repeat administration of 2-CdA is very effective in achieving a second CR. Recently, new agents such rituximab and BL22 were shown to be effective in the treatment of relapsed and refractory disease.
Gidron
Adi
A
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Tallman
Martin S
MS
D017338:Cladribine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017338:Cladribine