Leukemic transformation of essential thrombocythemia without previous cytoreductive treatment.

• 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.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Hematologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Hematology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Acute Disease

Aged

Alkylating Agents

pharmacology

Female

Humans

Leukemia

Myeloid

etiology

Lymphocyte Activation

drug effects

radiation effects

Phosphorus Radioisotopes

pharmacology

Thrombocythemia

Essential

complications

immunology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)