Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Ex vivo Expansion of Tumor-reactive T Cells by Means of Bryostatin 1/Ionomycin and the Common Gamma Chain Cytokines Formulation
07:20

Ex vivo Expansion of Tumor-reactive T Cells by Means of Bryostatin 1/Ionomycin and the Common Gamma Chain Cytokines Formulation

Published on: January 14, 2011

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Gamma Heavy-Chain Disease Presenting with Hypercalcaemia and Ascites

Imane El Boutahiri1, Kmar Mrad1, Pauline Lionne1

  • 1Service d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier d'ARRAS, Arras, France.

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|February 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Gamma heavy-chain disease (gHCD), a rare disorder, involves producing abnormal gamma heavy chains. A case study shows successful treatment with rituximab, bortezomib, and prednisone, achieving sustained remission.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Gamma heavy-chain disease (gHCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder.
  • It is characterized by the production of truncated gamma heavy chains lacking light chains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of gHCD in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
  • To highlight diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and underscore individualized management.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 79-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by detection of monoclonal gamma heavy chains without light chains in serum.
  • Treatment involved a combination of rituximab, bortezomib, and prednisone.

Main Results:

  • The patient achieved complete remission.
  • Remission was sustained for two years.
  • The combination therapy demonstrated an anti-tumor effect in CD20-expressing gHCD.

Conclusions:

  • Gamma heavy-chain disease should be considered in patients with unexplained monoclonal gammopathy and atypical presentations like hypercalcaemia and ascites.
  • Combination therapy including rituximab and chemotherapy is effective for CD20-expressing gHCD.

Keywords:
Gamma heavy-chain diseaseasciteshypercalcaemialymphoproliferative disorderrituximab

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