Simultaneous occurrence of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome rapidly evolving into acute myeloblastic leukemia.

We describe a case of simultaneous occurrence of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome in the absence of previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy. After initiation of steroid treatment, the myeloid clone showed a rapid increase in both the bone marrow and peripheral blood with transformation into acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis were confirmed by immunophenotypic studies performed in the histologic sections of the lymph node, as well as in bone marrow and peripheral blast cells. This case may be indicative of potential down-regulation of a malignant myeloid clone induced by the malignant lymphoid clone.

Is recombinant human erythropoietin treatment in myelodysplastic syndromes worthwhile?

It has been recently demonstrated that erythropoietin increases the haemoglobin levels in anemia secondary to chronic renal failure. Moreover some recent experiences also suggested a possible role in the treatment of MDS. From April 1990 to April 1992, 23 patients (16 males and 7 females, median age 63.5 years) affected with low risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to ameliorate Hb levels and transfusional requirement. All patients received high doses of rHuEPO (800 U/Kg weekly s.c. in 2-3 divided doses, for 3 months). A complete remission, defined as stable normalization of Hb level, was achieved in 1/23 patients. This patient had refractory anemia, by FAB criteria. A partial response, defined as stable increase of Hb levels > or = 1 g/dl and/or reduction of transfusional requirement > or = 50% lasting at least 3 months, was achieved in 7/23 patients. Patients with a partial response received rHuEPO at increased dosages (1200 U/Kg weekly s.c. 2-3 times): 1/7 achieved a complete response, 4/7 remained stable and 2/7 decreased to pre-therapy Hb value. These results suggest that rHuEPO may be a promising therapeutic tool for some MDS patients.

Recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. An interim report.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been demonstrated that erythropoietin increases hemoglobin levels in anemia secondary to chronic renal failure. Some recent experiences have suggested a possible role in the treatment of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). METHODS AND RESULTS: From April, 1990 to March, 1991, 16 patients (11 males and 5 females, median age 58.5 years) affected by low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to ameliorate Hb levels and reduce transfusional requirement. All patients received high doses of rHuEPO (400 U/Kg s.c. twice weekly for 3 months). A partial response, defined as a stable increase in Hb levels > 1g/dL and/or a reduction in transfusional need > 50% lasting at least 3 months, was achieved by 5/16 patients. Those who responded received an additional course of treatment with rHuEPO at an increased dosage (600 U/Kg twice weekly for 3 months), and one of these five showed a progressive rise in Hb level up to normalization, while the other 4 remained stable. The treatment was well tolerated and no adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that some patients with MDS may benefit from rHuEPO treatment.