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Splenic irradiation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Author(s) -
Chisesi T.,
Capnist G.,
Fior S. Dal
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1991.tb00541.x
Subject(s) - medicine , splenectomy , complete remission , gastroenterology , stage (stratigraphy) , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , treatment modality , leukemia , surgery , nuclear medicine , spleen , chemotherapy , paleontology , biology
52 patients with CLL, presenting primarily with splenomegaly, stage II‐IV according to the Rai stage system, were treated with a regime of low‐dose splenic irradiation (SI) between January, 1979 and December 1987. The treatment modality consisted of 1 Gy, from 1 to 10 doses, given at weekly intervals. The median given dose was 700 cGy (100–1000). CHR occurred in 23/52 (44%), PR in 20/52 (38%) and no reponse (NR) in 9/52 (17%) of the patients. The median duration of remission was 9 months (range 3–24), 15 and 7 months for patients achieving CHR and PR, respectively. At relapse, 14 patients received a second course of SI by the same modalities: 2 ot them obtained a second CHR, 9 a PR and 3 NR. The median duration of remission was 4 months. In conclusion, SI represents a suitable therapy for CLL patients presenting primarily with splenomegaly. The low rate of response and the short remission duration after the second treatment suggest that SI should be combined either with splenectomy or with other therapeutic approaches.