Continuous flow centrifuge leucapheresis in the management of chronic myelogenous leukaemia

Six patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) were treated by repeated continuous flow centrifuge (CFC) leucapheresis. In six of seven courses of leucapheresis there was no improvement in splenomegaly. In no instance was the leucocyte count reduced to the normal range. The immediate changes in peripheral leucocytosis produced by each CFC leucapheresis procedure were quite variable. There was no correlation between the intensity of a series of CFC leucapheresis procedures and the total clinical effectiveness of the therapy. Balancing potential benefits against definite costs to the patient, CFC leucapheresis seems justified in only a minority of CML patients. Untreated CML patients who have cyclic leucocytosis may be the best candidates for this therapy. Currently this form of therapy for CML remains experimental.