Prolymphocytic leukemia: treatment with combination chemotherapy to include doxorubicin

Prolymphocytic leukemia (PL) is a clinically distinct leukemic disorder. Cytochemical and surface marker characteristics help to differentiate PL from other types of leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In contrast to patients with CLL, those with PL frequently require early therapeutic intervention. Standard treatment regimens for CLL as well as splenectomy and splenic irradiation have not been effective in the treatment of PL. Combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) has produced impressive clinical responses in patients with PL. The treatment of a patient with PL is discussed and the literature is reviewed.