Eosinophilic leukemic transformation in polycythemia rubra vera (PRV)

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Mar;46(3):447-50. doi: 10.1080/10428190400007649.

Abstract

We report a rare case of eosinophilic leukemia transformation in a patient with polycythemia rubra vera on hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) therapy only. Cytogenetic study showed complex abnormalities including -5, -7, +8, suggestive of a secondary leukemia. The leukemogenic risk of hydroxycarbamide, a ribonucleoside reductase, and the risk of natural leukemic transformation of polycythemia rubra vera is discussed in the context of previous PVSG studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Cytogenetic Analysis
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / therapeutic use
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / complications*
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / pathology
  • Male
  • Polycythemia Vera / complications*
  • Polycythemia Vera / drug therapy

Substances

  • Hydroxyurea