A Rare Case of an Elderly Male with Progression to Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Secondary to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

ABSTRACT

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by an accumulation of monoclonal B lymphocytes, with an increased risk of secondary cancers. The coexistence of CLL and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a rare phenomenon, with three main types being classified CML preceding CLL, CLL preceding CML and simultaneous occurrence. The coexistence of these chronic leukaemias poses a complex clinical challenge, with the underlying mechanisms of their association remaining enigmatic. Here, we present a report of an elderly male with a long history of CLL, who was subsequently diagnosed with secondary CML. LEARNING POINTS The development of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) subsequent to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is an uncommon occurrence, challenging conventional expectations of disease evolution in chronic leukaemia.Extensive and appropriate testing is necessary to promptly identify secondary CML in CLL patients.Targeted therapy with dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may demonstrate efficacy in reducing leukocytosis and BCR-ABL1 levels in patients with coexisting CLL and CML.