title: [Mitoxantrone-related acute leukemia by multiple sclerosis. Case report and practical approach by unclear cytopenia].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mitoxantrone is highly efficacious in the treatment of severe multiple sclerosis (MS). Mitoxantrone therapy-related acute leukemia (TRAL) has recently become the focus of interest.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case report of fatal TRAL following mitoxantrone therapy is presented with a discussion on the differential diagnosis and risk factors. The interdisciplinary development of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms is presented from a haematological and neurological point of view.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We describe the case of a 34-year-old MS patient who developed TRAL following mitoxantrone therapy (cumulative dose 45 mg/m(2) body surface). The patient died from endocarditis. TRAL is a rare but potentially fatal complication of mitoxantrone therapy with a wide variation of reported incidence. Thus far, no specific risk factors relating for example to preceding therapy and treatment regimens have been identified. Frequent laboratory controls and early bone marrow aspiration are mandatory for suspected TRAL as the condition is potentially curable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TRAL needs to be considered in the risk-benefit assessment of mitoxantrone therapy, however, the exact incidence and risk factors (e.g. dosage, treatment regimen) are still unclear. The risks are controllable under close surveillance and early diagnosis is important for prognosis. Future investigations need to concentrate on identification of potential risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Neurologische Klinik, St.-Josef-Hospital, Klinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ansorge
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Siglienti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salmen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stroet
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nückel
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dührsen
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gold
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D008942:Mitoxantrone