Published in:
01-04-2017 | Leukemia (A Aguayo, Section Editor)
Prolymphocytic Leukemia: New Insights in Diagnosis and in Treatment
Authors:
Aude Collignon, Anne Wanquet, Elsa Maitre, Edouard Cornet, Xavier Troussard, Thérèse Aurran-Schleinitz
Published in:
Current Oncology Reports
|
Issue 4/2017
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
We aimed to produce a comprehensive update on clinical and biological data regarding two rare lymphoid neoplasms, B and T prolymphocytic leukemias, and assess therapeutic management in the light of new molecular insights and the advent of targeted therapies.
Recent Findings
B cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) diagnosis remains challenging in the absence of clear immunophenotypic or cytogenetic signature and overlap with mantle cell lymphoma. New molecular defects have been identified in T cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), especially in the JAK STAT pathway. Like in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), B-PLL treatment depends on the presence of TP53 dysfunction. In T-PLL, alemtuzumab still remains the standard of care. Allogeneic transplantation is the only curable option. Thanks to reduced intensity conditioning regimens, it has become accessible to a larger number of patients.
Summary
PLL prognosis remains poor with conventional therapies. However, great advances in the understanding of both T- and B-PLL pathogenesis lead to promising new therapeutic agents.