In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate if allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is an effective treatment for atypical chronic myeloid leukemia. This study concluded that this treatment is effective in these patients.
Some background
Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) are cancers characterized by overproduction of neutrophils (white blood cells). There is currently no standard therapy for either aCML or CNL.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a treatment that involves the patient receiving stem cells from a donor. Stem cells are cells that allow the production of blood cells. The donor is often a sibling but could be also unrelated. It is still not known if allo-HSCT would be an effective treatment for patients with aCML.
Methods & findings
This study involved 19 patients with aCML and CNL. Patients received pre-conditioning regimens (treatments used to prepare patients for stem cell transplantation). All patients received allo-HSCT.
Neutrophil engraftment (stem cells establish themselves and start to produce new blood cells) was achieved in 17 of 19 patients. The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 54.4% for patients with aCML and 40.0% for patients with CNL.
The bottom line
This study concluded that allo-HSCT allows long-term survival in patients with aCML.
The fine print
Only a small group of patients were involved. Further studies will be needed.
What’s next?
Discuss with your physician what options are available for treatment of aCML.
Published By :
Leukemia Research
Date :
Nov 13, 2018
