Advances in Cellular Therapy for T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis. Alemtuzumab (Campath) remains the cornerstone for treatment, with an 80% complete response (CR). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is considered the standard of care as consolidative therapy in eligible patients. However, allogeneic stem cell transplant is also complicated by increased rates of infections from chemotherapy, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and chronic GVHD. This review aims to report the available literature on the efficacy and complications of consolidative HSCT. It also discusses the importance of patient selection and pre- and post-transplant complications including atypical infections and GVHD.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the treatment of T-PLL, focusing on HSCT with alemtuzumab and its efficacy and complications. It also highlights the importance of patient selection and the complications before and after the transplant.