Plasma Cell Leukemia Update on Immunophenotype, Molecular Characteristics, and Therapy. The Second Part of Plasma...

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive form of multiple myeloma (MM), characterized by the presence of malignant plasma cells in the peripheral blood. Until 2021, PCL was defined as plasmacytosis comprising at least 20% of the differential white blood cell count in peripheral blood. (CPCs). PCL was found in 2-4% of newly diagnosed MM cases. It can also develop from a preexisting, usually end-stage, MM, known as secondary PCL (sPCL), which exhibits distinct biological and clinical features. Both primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) and secondary plasma cell leukemia (sPCL) are very rare presentations of MM. According to the International Myeloma Working Group, plasma cell leukemia is generally diagnosed when the percentage of CPCs in peripheral blood exceeds 5%. PCL has a more aggressive clinical presentation than MM, involving more severe cytopenia, hypercalcemia, and renal failure. Higher tumor burden and proliferation activity in PCL are reflected by elevated levels of B2- B2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Extramedullary localization at diagnosis is more common in pPCL and sPCL than in MM. Conversely, osteolytic lesions are less frequent in pPCL. The immunophenotype of PCL expresses the common MM markers, CD38 and CD138, but exhibits a more immature phenotype than MM. Molecularly, PCL lacks a specific marker but shows a markedly lower frequency of hyperploidy and significantly increased gains of chromosome 1 and translocations t(14;16) or t(14;20). Additionally, it has also been reported that the t(11;14) translocation occurs more frequently and is associated with a better prognosis. The recent therapy of PCL is similar to that of other high-grade myelomas, taking advantage of anti-proteasome, like bortezomib, an immunomodulator, like lenalidomide, and dexamethasone triplet + anti-CD38 antibody and/or cyclophosphamide, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, the results are not as good as in the other forms of myeloma.