Spontaneous remission of large granular lymphocytic leukaemia

The phenomenon of spontaneous remission is one of the less well known aspects of the leukaemias. Spontaneous remission has been reported in both acute and chronic leukaemia. The mechanism is unclear but may involve immune modulation related to an intercurrent infection or transfusion of blood products. We present a rare case of spontaneous complete remission of T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukaemia occurring in an 82-year-old man. The patient died two years later of an unrelated condition, with no evidence of recurrence of T-LGL leukaemia. Elucidation of the mechanism of the phenomenon of spontaneous remission may lead to advances in the treatment of this diverse group of disorders.