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- Title
Prompt and sustained response of a steroid-refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia to a rituximab-based therapy in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient.
- Authors
Gentile, Massimo; Lucia, Eugenio; Iorio, Caterina; Vigna, Ernesto; Mazzone, Carla; Morelli, Rosellina; Bisconte, Maria; Gentile, Carlo; Morabito, Fortunato
- Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening event which may complicate the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at any time and steroid-refractory AIHA of CLL poses a therapeutic challenge for physicians. Here, we report the safety and efficacy of a rituximab-containing regimen in a CLL patient with steroid- and IVIg-refractory AIHA. A 57-year- old man affected by CLL, presented with fatigue, dyspnoea, tachycardia and jaundice. His physical examination revealed overt jaundice, hepato- and splenomegaly, and enlargement of lymph nodes in all superficial sites. The blood chemistry showed severe anemia (Hb value 3.9 g/dL), high white blood cell count (89 × 109/L), altered hemolysis markers and direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive for both complement and IgG. The patient failed to respond to both a 4-day course of high-dose dexamethasone IV (40 mg/day) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (1 g/kg/day × 2 days). Thus, a schedule containing rituximab (375 mg/m2 day +1), cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2 day +2) and prednisone (60 mg/m2 from day +1 to day +7) (R-CP) were administered. Four cycles, repeated every 4 weeks, were administered. After 4 days from the infusion of this schedule, the patient showed a marked reduction of the lymphocytosis, and the hemoglobin level started to increase. No rituximab-related side effects were recorded. At the end of treatment DAT became negative and patient achieved a nodular Partial Remission (nPR). Our data showed the safety and efficacy of a rituximab-containing regimen in a life-threatening CLL-related AIHA, refractory to steroid and IVIg therapy. This schedule has allowed the patient to obtain a prompt and dramatic rise in hemoglobin level and a response to both AIHA and CLL.
- Subjects
AUTOIMMUNE hemolytic anemia; RITUXIMAB; CHRONIC lymphocytic leukemia; HEMOGLOBINS; IMMUNOGLOBULIN G; TACHYCARDIA; LYMPH nodes; LEUCOCYTES
- Publication
Cancer Chemotherapy & Pharmacology, 2008, Vol 62, Issue 4, p741
- ISSN
0344-5704
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00280-007-0651-0