Consolidation therapy with autologous blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with primary plasma cell leukaemia

Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Feb;25(1):55-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2257.2003.00485.x.

Abstract

Primary plasma cell leukaemia (PPCL) is a rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia. Conventional melphalan-based treatment is often ineffective, with a reported median survival of 2-7 months only. We report a 53-year-old man with PPCL who was treated with four cycles of combination chemotherapy including vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone that resulted in a good partial remission. High-dose melphalan 200 mg/m2 and autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) rescue was then given 6 months after diagnosis. Maintenance interferon-alpha was started 8 weeks after transplantation with good drug compliance. Complete remission was achieved and molecular remission was documented 11 months after autologous PBSC transplantation. In conclusion, high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue is a feasible option for PPCL that can result in a reasonably sustained remission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Leukemia, Plasma Cell / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha