Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in a patient with osteopetrosis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Hematology

Background:

• Osteopetrosis, a rare genetic disorder, impairs osteoclast function, leading to bone resorption defects.
• Patients often experience myelosuppression and osteomyelitis, complicating co-occurring conditions.
• Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old woman with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis was diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
• Diagnosing and staging lymphoma was challenging due to reactive lymph node hyperplasia, despite advanced imaging.
• The patient required careful monitoring for myelosuppression and osteomyelitis during chemotherapy.

Findings:

• Combination chemotherapy was administered for peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
• Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and continuous antibiotics effectively managed leukocytopenia and prevented severe infections.
• The patient achieved complete remission after four chemotherapy courses, sustained for six months.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of proactive management of complications in osteopetrosis patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Early intervention with G-CSF and antibiotics is crucial for preventing infectious complications.
• Successful treatment of lymphoma in osteopetrosis demonstrates the feasibility of aggressive cancer therapy with supportive care.