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A multicenter study of patients with multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis who develop secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Author(s) -
Chellapandian Deepak,
Hines Melissa R.,
Zhang Rui,
Jeng Michael,
van den Bos Cor,
SantaMaría López Vicente,
Lehmberg Kai,
Sieni Elena,
Wang Yini,
Nakano Taizo,
Williams James A.,
Fustino Nicholas J.,
Astigarraga Itziar,
Dunkel Ira J.,
Abla Oussama,
van Halteren Astrid G.S.,
Pei Deqing,
Cheng Cheng,
Weitzman Sheila,
Sung Lillian,
Nichols Kim E.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.31893
Subject(s) - langerhans cell histiocytosis , medicine , hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis , hemophagocytosis , histiocytosis , context (archaeology) , histiocyte , pediatrics , myeloid , bone marrow , immunology , pancytopenia , disease , paleontology , biology
Background Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare myeloid neoplasm characterized by the presence of abnormal CD1a‐positive (CD1a + )/CD207 + histiocytes. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) represents a spectrum of hyperinflammatory syndromes typified by the dysregulated activation of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Patients with LCH, particularly those with multisystem (MS) involvement, can develop severe hyperinflammation mimicking that observed in HLH. Nevertheless, to the authors’ knowledge, little is known regarding the prevalence, timing, risk factors for development, and outcomes of children and young adults who develop HLH within the context of MS‐LCH (hereafter referred to LCH‐associated HLH). Methods To gain further insights, the authors conducted a retrospective, multicenter study and collected data regarding all patients diagnosed with MS‐LCH between 2000 and 2015. Results Of 384 patients with MS‐LCH, 32 were reported by their primary providers to have met the diagnostic criteria for HLH, yielding an estimated 2‐year cumulative incidence of 9.3% ± 1.6%. The majority of patients developed HLH at or after the diagnosis of MS‐LCH, and nearly one‐third (31%) had evidence of an intercurrent infection. Patient age <2 years at the time of diagnosis of LCH; female sex; LCH involvement of the liver, spleen, and hematopoietic system; and a lack of bone involvement each were found to be independently associated with an increased risk of LCH‐associated HLH. Patients with MS‐LCH who met the criteria for HLH had significantly poorer 5‐year survival compared with patients with MS‐LCH who did not meet the criteria for HLH (69% vs 97%; P < .0001). Conclusions Given its inferior prognosis, further efforts are warranted to enhance the recognition and optimize the treatment of patients with LCH‐associated HLH.