Long-term survival in primary plasma cell leukemia after therapy with VAD, autologous blood stem cell transplantation and interferon-alpha

Acta Haematol. 1999;101(4):193-6. doi: 10.1159/000040952.

Abstract

Primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare form of plasma cell neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Conventional melphalan-based treatments have been most disappointing. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with a primary form of PCL treated with VAD combination achieving an objective response, and who received high-dose melphalan and autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation followed by interferon-alpha. During the remission time, lasting for 3 years, an infiltration by large granular lymphocytes (LGL) was noted in peripheral blood. However, when the number of LGL declined, a bone marrow relapse was observed. The treatment for PCL and the possible role of these LGL on tumor cell control after autologous PBSC transplantation are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cytarabine / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Leukemia, Plasma Cell / therapy*
  • Male
  • Melphalan / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction
  • Survivors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • Cytarabine
  • Vincristine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Melphalan

Supplementary concepts

  • VAD regimen