Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of Asian patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic Leukemia: a single-center analysis of 67 cases.

Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a clonal lymphoproliferative disorder of LGLs derived from cytotoxic T lymphocytes or natural killer cells. However, the clinical features and treatment responses are still not fully understood because of the rarity of the disease. To describe and assess a cohort of patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL). Single-center, retrospective, observational study. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients diagnosed with T-LGLL at Seoul National University Hospital since 2006. We included 67 patients in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years. Additionally, 37 patients (55%) were symptomatic, and 25 (37%) had splenomegaly; 54 patients (81%) required treatment. Cyclophosphamide (n = 35), methotrexate (n = 25), and cyclosporin A (n = 19) were used most frequently for treatment, and their overall response rates were similar: cyclophosphamide (77%), methotrexate (64%), and cyclosporin A (63%). Splenomegaly was associated with an increased response rate to first-line therapy and a decreased complete response rate. Thrombocytopenia was associated with decreased response rates to cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, cyclosporin A, and steroids. In contrast, a high LGL number (> 2000/µL) in the peripheral blood smear was associated with increased response rates to cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, cyclosporin A, and steroids. This study describes the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with T-LGLL, providing valuable information for clinical decision-making regarding T-LGLL treatment.

The complex relationship between large granular lymphocyte leukemia and rheumatic disease.

INTRODUCTION: Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by an expansion of clonal T or NK lymphocytes. Neutropenia-related infections represent the main clinical manifestation. Even if the disease follows an indolent course, most patients will ultimately need treatment in their lifetime. Interestingly, LGL leukemia is characterized by a high frequency of autoimmune disorders with rheumatoid arthritis being the most frequent. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the pathophysiology, clinic-biological features and the advances made in the treatment of LGL leukemia. A special focus will be made on the similarities in the pathophysiology of LGL leukemia and the frequently associated rheumatic disorders. EXPERT OPINION: Recent advances in the phenotypic and molecular characterization of LGL clones have uncovered the key role of JAK-STAT signaling in the pathophysiology linking leukemic cells expansion and autoimmunity. The description of the molecular landscape of T- and NK-LGL leukemia and the improved understanding of the associated rheumatic disorders open the way to the development of new targeted therapies effective on both conditions.

Molecular Features and Diagnostic Challenges in Alpha/Beta T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia.

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia is a rare chronic lymphoproliferative disease of cytotoxic lymphocytes. The diagnosis, according to the WHO, is based on a persistent (>6 months) increase in the number of LGL cells in the peripheral blood without an identifiable cause. A further distinction is made between T-LGL and NK-LGL leukemia. The molecular sign of LGL leukemia is the mutation of STAT3 and other genes associated with the JAK/STAT pathway. The most common clinical features are neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, and it is often associated with various autoimmune conditions. It usually has an indolent course. Due to the rarity of the disease, no specific treatment has yet been identified. Immunosuppressive therapy is used and may allow for disease control and long-term survival, but not eradication of the leukemic clone. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, pathophysiology, and different treatment options available for alpha/beta T-LGL leukemia, which is the most common disease (85%), in order to better understand and manage this often misunderstood disease.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 100 adult patients with pure red cell aplasia.

Adult pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare syndrome characterized by a severe normocytic anemia, reticulocytopenia, and absence of erythroblasts from bone marrow. The standard treatment has not yet been established for PRCA, although cyclosporine (CsA), corticosteroids (CS) showed a response in PRCA. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 60 primary and 40 secondary adult patients with acquired PRCA. The proportion of secondary PRCA is relatively high and commonly associated with large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) (28 cases, 70.0%). The remission-induced regimens included CS, CsA, or other agents, and the response rate was 66.7%, 71.4%, and 50%, respectively (P = 0.336). When treating with CsA, the response rate of LGLL-associated PRCA was lower than primary PRCA (42.1% vs 85.7%, P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that ORR was inversely related to LGLL-associated PRCA. LGLL-associated PRCA had poor therapeutic efficacy to CsA.

CB-LPD, MGUS, T-LGLL, and PRCA: A rare case report of 4 concomitant hematological disorders.

RATIONALE: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a clinically asymptomatic clonal plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic proliferative disorder. Recently, some case reports have described the association of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) with MGUS, even with a relatively low monoclonal immunoglobulin burden. T large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by clonal expansion of T large granular lymphocytes, which is rare in China. There are some reports about T-LGL leukemia in patients with B-cell lymphoma; however, it is very rare that T-LGLL coexists with MGUS and clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (CB-LPD). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 77-year-old man was hospitalized because of anemia. He was diagnosed with MGUS, CB-LPD, and PRCA. During the development of the disease, a group of abnormal T lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry of peripheral blood. DIAGNOSIS: Combining clinical manifestations with the result of T cell receptor gene rearrangement and immunophenotype, it was consistent with the diagnosis of T large granular lymphocyte leukemia. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treat with bortezomib and dexamethasone regimen, Rituximab and sirolimus. OUTCOMES: The patient was transfusion independent after therapies. LESSONS: We report a patient with 4 concomitant hematological disorders: T-LGLL, MGUS, CB-LPD, and PRCA, aiming to represent the clinical and flow cytometry characteristics of these concomitant diseases, analyze the mechanism between diseases, and provide a clinical reference.

Large granular lymphocytic leukemia - A retrospective study of 319 cases.

Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL) is a rare hematological malignancy that arises from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (T-LGLL) in 85% of cases and natural killer (NK) cells in the rest. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the pathogenesis, treatment choices, and prognostic factors of LGLL. We report a cohort of 319 consecutive LGLL patients who presented to our cancer center between 2001 and 2020. A total of 295 patients with T-LGLL and 24 with chronic NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CLPD-NK) were identified. The median age was 65 years (range, 17-90 years). Eighty-three patients (26.0%) had autoimmune diseases. A total of 119 patients (37.3%) had coexisting malignancies, 66 (20.7%) had solid tumors, and 59 (18.5%) had hematological malignancies. Most coexisting malignancies were diagnosed before the diagnosis of LGLL. Treatment was needed for 57% of patients. Methotrexate (MTX), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and cyclosporine A (CSA) were most used and had similar response rates between 61.5%-74.4%. Cy produced more complete responses (32.3%) compared to MTX and CSA (15.7% and 23.1%, respectively). Thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and female gender (after controlling for autoimmune diseases) were associated with decreased response rates to MTX, CSA, or Cy. Autoimmune diseases were associated with increased response rates. Thrombocytopenia was an independent risk factor for worse survival.

Large Granular Lymphocytosis With Cytopenias After Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplantation: Clinical Characteristics and Response to Immunosuppressive Therapy.

Large granular lymphocytosis (LGL)-or LGL leukemia-is a T- or NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder that often results in cytopenias and autoimmune phenomena. Several studies have described LGL in a subset of patients after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (alloBMT), almost exclusively in the setting of asymptomatic lymphocytosis. Some have suggested an association with improved transplant-related outcomes. In contrast, clinically significant LGL after alloBMT is only described in small case reports. This study sought to assess the characteristics, significance, and response to treatment of LGL associated with unexplained anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia after alloBMT. We performed a retrospective analysis of 150 patients who were evaluated for LGL by peripheral blood flow cytometry (LGL flow) for unexplained cytopenias following initial engraftment after alloBMT from January 1 2012 to July 1, 2019. We identified patients with abnormally increased populations of LGL cells (LGL+) as assessed by Johns Hopkins Hematopathology. We collected demographic, transplantation, and LGL treatment information from electronic medical records. We compared LGL+ patients to patients with unexplained cytopenias with negative flow cytometry for LGL (LGL-) in this cohort. We also assessed change in blood counts after 4 weeks of immunosuppressive therapy in LGL+ patients. Cytopenias occurred at a median of 5.7 months (range 1-81) after alloBMT. The majority of the transplants were nonmyeloablative from haploidentical donors, and all patients received post-transplantation cyclophosphamide for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, consistent with the overall alloBMT characteristics at our center. We identified 70 patients with LGL and cytopenias, representing 47% of those evaluated by flow cytometry. There were no significant demographic or transplant-related differences between LGL+ patients and LGL- patients. The median age was 59, and 63% were male. LGL+ patients were more likely to have had cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia (73% versus 28%, P < .0001), but not acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease. LGL+ patients had higher absolute lymphocyte counts (1500 versus 485/ mm3, P < .0001), a trend toward lower absolute neutrophil count (660 versus 965/mm3, P = .17), and lower neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (0.39 versus 1.71, P < .001). There were no differences in overall survival or relapse-free survival. Of those with T-cell LGL, 45 were assessed for T-cell receptor clonality. In all, 22% were clonal, 53% oligoclonal, 4% polyclonal, and 20% indeterminate. Thirty (43%) LGL+ patients received immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for cytopenias. First-line treatment was corticosteroids for 25 (83%). Among those treated, there was an increase in median absolute neutrophil count from 720 before treatment to 1990/mm3 after 4 weeks (P = .0017). Thrombocytopenia and anemia showed at most a mild improvement with IST. LGL was a common association with otherwise unexplained cytopenias after alloBMT, almost always after prior CMV infection. LGL in the setting of cytopenias did not predict improved transplantation outcomes compared to those with cytopenias without presence of LGL. IST was effective at improving neutropenia associated with LGL after alloBMT.

Clinical outcomes in T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia: prognostic factors and treatment response.

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia (T-LGLL) is an incurable leukaemia characterised by clonal proliferation of abnormal cytotoxic T cells that can result in severe neutropenia, transfusion-dependent anaemia and pancytopenia requiring treatment. The most commonly used agents, methotrexate (MTX), cyclophosphamide (Cy) and cyclosporine primarily produce partial remissions (PRs), with few complete responses (CRs). We evaluated the clinical course and treatment response of 60 consecutive patients with T-LGLL to evaluate clinical outcomes and future potential treatment directions. Impaired overall survival was noted among male patients, patients with elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and those without rheumatoid arthritis. Cy was the most efficacious second-line agent, with a 70% overall response rate (ORR; three CR, four PR). All patients who failed frontline MTX responded to second-line Cy. In the relapsed or Cy-refractory setting, alemtuzumab (n = 4) and pentostatin (n = 3) had an ORR of 50% and 66%, respectively, while duvelisib induced a long-term response in one patient. In this large, retrospective analysis, our results suggest Cy is a highly effective therapy for second-line treatment in T-LGLL and should be considered a strong candidate for up-front therapy in select high-risk patients. Prospective studies evaluating pentostatin, alemtuzumab and novel agents, such as duvelisib, are needed for patients with relapsed/refractory T-LGLL.

CD8-positive cutaneous lymphoproliferation associated with large granular lymphocyte leukemia in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

Patients with primary immunodeficiency are at increased risk for malignancy, especially hematologic neoplasms. This paper reports a unique case of a 47-year-old man with X-linked agammaglobulinemia who presented with progressive asymptomatic violaceous papules and plaques on his face, hands, and trunk for 1 year. Skin biopsies revealed deep, nodular infiltrates of histiocytes and CD8-positive lymphocytes, with a CD4:CD8 ratio of 1:10. Laboratory studies showed cytopenias. Flow cytometry in the skin, blood, and bone marrow (BM) showed a CD3+/CD8+/CD57+ large granular lymphocyte population. BM biopsy showed 30% involvement with these atypical T-cells. T-cell gene rearrangement studies of skin, blood, and BM revealed identical T-cell clones. He was diagnosed with T-large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) with an associated CD8+ cutaneous lymphoproliferation. Skin involvement was suspected to represent infiltration by T-LGLL. However, co-existence of two lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), T-LGLL and CD8+ granulomatous LPD, remains a possibility. In general, cutaneous infiltrates associated with LGLL are rare and poorly understood. It has been suggested that they are markers of poor prognosis. Our case report describes skin, blood, and BM findings in an immunosuppressed patient with T-LGLL in detail. These findings have not yet been reported and their significance requires further investigation.

Belinostat in Relapsed/Refractory T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia.

T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a rare indolent neoplasm primarily treated with immunosuppression. Few therapies and no consensus exist for the optimal treatment of T-cell LGL leukemia refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Here, we report a case of relapsed/refractory T-cell LGL treated with belinostat. A 57-year-old male presented with lymphocytosis and anemia and was found to have T-cell LGL, requiring frequent packed red blood cell transfusions. He was initially treated with methotrexate with no response after 7 months. He was then switched to cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide and experienced transfusion independence for 42 months before disease relapse. He was then started on belinostat with noted subsequent transfusion independence for greater than 15 months to date and decreased disease involvement on bone marrow biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of belinostat use in relapsed/refractory T-cell LGL leukemia which resulted in a durable clinical and biologic response.

Rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis-associated large granular lymphocytic leukemia, a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and tolerance profile of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL). METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case series. Inclusion criteria were RA defined by the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and LGLL defined by absolute LGL count ≥ 0.3 × 109/L with evidence of an expanded clonal LGL population (flow cytometry, TCR-γ polymerase chain reaction, or Stat3 mutation). RESULTS: Fourteen patients (10 women, mean age 55.2 ± 14.2 years) included; 13 were seropositive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (n = 11) or rheumatoid factor (n = 10). LGLL diagnosis was made 9.5 [IQR: 3.25;15.5] years after RA diagnosis. Thirteen patients had T-LGLL. Rituximab was the first-line therapy for LGLL for 4 patients. Previous treatment lines included methotrexate (n = 7), cyclophosphamide (n = 2), cyclosporin A (n = 1), or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (n = 4). Rituximab was used in monotherapy (n = 8) or associated to methotrexate (n = 3), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (n = 2), or alkylating agents (n = 1). The number of rituximab cycles ranged from 1 to 11 (median 6), with high heterogeneity in dosing regimens. Median duration response after rituximab initiation was 35 [IQR: 23.5;41] months. The overall response rate was 100%: 8 patients experienced complete response (normalization of blood count and LGL ≤ 0.3 × 109/L) and 6 experienced partial responses (improvement in blood counts without complete normalization). The tolerance profile was good, with no infectious complications. CONCLUSION: rituximab appears as a valuable therapeutic option for RA-associated LGLL.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The past decade in LGL leukemia research has seen increased pairing of clinical data with molecular markers, shedding new insights on LGL leukemia pathogenesis and heterogeneity. This review summarizes the current standard of care of LGL leukemia, updates from clinical trials, and our congruent improved understanding of LGL pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Various clinical reports have identified associations between stem, bone marrow, and solid organ transplants and incidence of LGL leukemia. There is also a potential for underdiagnosis of LGL leukemia within the rheumatoid arthritis patient population, emphasizing our need for continued study. Preliminary results from the BNZ-1 clinical trial, which targets IL-15 along with IL-2 and IL-9 signaling pathways, show some evidence of clinical response. With advances in our understanding of LGL pathogenesis from both the bench and the clinic, exciting avenues for investigations lie ahead for LGL leukemia.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes in patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia: A single-institution experience.

AIM: Large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder associated with failure of hematopoiesis and autoimmune diseases. This study describes the clinical features and treatment responses of 108 patients with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL). METHODS: Clinical data were collected from T-LGLL patients treated at an anemia treatment center within the hematology and blood diseases unit of a single hospital from January 2009 to April 2019. RESULTS: The majority of patients (78 %) were symptomatic at the time of presentation. Splenomegaly was observed in 41 % of cases, while hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy were rare (6 % and 7 %, respectively). Cyclosporine (CsA) monotherapy was used as first-line therapy for 16 patients, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 56 %. CsA in combination with steroids was administered in 83 patients, with an ORR of 48 %. Among patients experiencing relapse or resistance to first-line therapy, 10 received antithymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy, with an ORR of 50 %; an additional 9 patients received a modified regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) therapy, yielding an ORR of 78 %. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information regarding the clinical features and therapeutic strategies for T-LGLL, which can be used to improve clinical decision making for T-LGLL patients. The data presented here indicate the CsA is an effective option for the treatment of T-LGLL, while modified regimens of high-dose CTX or ATG are safe and effective choices for patients with CsA refractory disease.

Choroidal Infiltration as First Clinical Manifestation of T-cell Large Granular Lymphocyte (T-LGL) Leukemia.

Purpose: To report of a 55-year-old woman suffering from choroidal infiltrates as a first clinical manifestation of T-LGL leukemia. Methods: Retrospective case report. Results: A healthy woman presented with photophobia in both eyes since 1 month. She showed a panuveitis with anterior chamber as well as vitreous cells, creamy-white choroidal lesions in both eyes and a cystoid macular edema in the left eye. Lab testing showed only a moderate lymphocytosis, all other tests, including a pars plana vitrectomy and an anterior chamber tap, were negative. Due to the persistent lymphocytosis, she was referred to the oncologist. A biopsy of the bone marrow revealed T-LGL leukemia. A subsequent biopsy of the choroid showed an infiltration of T-LGL and therefore systemic therapy with cyclophosphamide was started. Conclusions: This is a very rare case describing an involvement of the choroid in T-LGL leukemia.

Chronic lymphopenia and neutropenia in a dog with large granular lymphocytic leukemia.

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-cell LGLL) is the most common presentation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in dogs. Aleukemic or subleukemic leukemia is a particularly rare variation in both humans and dogs, where bone marrow proliferation is either not or only sparsely translated in the peripheral blood. Neutropenia is a prominent feature in cases of human T-cell LGLL but is normally absent in canine CLL. This report describes a case of a dog presented with an almost 3-year history of asymptomatic neutropenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia (without anemia). A bone marrow examination, the exclusion of infectious diseases, and clonality testing led to the diagnosis of subleukemic LGLL that responded well to therapy (death occurred 2.5 years later due to an unrelated cause).