[Perspectives for an epidemiological study of hairy cell leukemia]

A strong male predominance (4/1) has been noticed in all series of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and we wonder whether there could be a link between male predominance and occupation. From a series of 161 patients observed by two different groups, the repartition of profession suggest an aetiological link between HCL and occupational exposure, particularly radiation, benzene and other solvents, since it appears that the proportion of medical workers (6%), mechanic divers (22%), printers and painters (10%) and farmers (11%) represent a high proportion of patients. Aware of the relative rarity of the disease we suggested to set up a national registry of the cases of HCL, the precise incidence of which remains unknown, and to start a classical case-referent study.