Leukemic transformation of essential thrombocythemia without previous cytoreductive treatment.

Abstract

Blastic transformation of essential thrombocythemia (ET) preceded by chemotherapy is occasionally described in the literature. In ET as well as in other myeloproliferative disorders the leukemogenic effect of alkylating agents and (32)P is well established, and recent reports also indicate a certain leukemogenic effect of hydroxyurea in these disorders. However, leukemic transformation in untreated ET seems to be a rare event. This is probably due to the fact that, at some time during their clinical course, most ET patients receive chemotherapy and are thereby exposed to leukemogenic challenge. We report on a woman with ET who had not received cytoreductive treatment prior to the development of acute myeloid leukemia, indicating that this transformation was a natural progression of her disorder.

• Authors: P O Andersson, B Ridell, H Wadenvik, J Kutti
• Journal: Annals of hematology (Ann Hematol) Vol. 79 Issue 1 Pg. 40-2 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0939-5555 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 10663620 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Alkylating Agents
• Phosphorus Radioisotopes

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aged
• Alkylating Agents (pharmacology)
• Female
• Humans
• Leukemia, Myeloid (etiology)
• Lymphocyte Activation (drug effects, radiation effects)
• Phosphorus Radioisotopes (pharmacology)
• Thrombocythemia, Essential (complications, immunology)