Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
CLINICAL FEATURES OF HUMAN T-CELL LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA VIRUS (HTLV) ASSOCIATED T-CELL NEOPLASMS
Genetic and Phenotypic Markers of Tumors. Aaronson SA, Frati L, Verna R, eds. New York, Plenum Press, p. 357-72, 1984.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/85615484 Mitsuya H; Broder S; Clinical Oncology Program, NCI, Bethesda, MD 20205
Abstract:
Certain clinical and laboratory features of the adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) syndrome and human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV) are summarized. A case history of a patient (pt) with the ATLL syndrome is presented. The pt, a 23-yr-old black woman, had a 2-mo history of wt loss, fatigue and lymphadenopathy. She developed hypercalcemia, interstitial pulmonary infiltrates responding initially to antibiotic therapy, and a clonal T cell malignancy eventually involving bone marrow, peripheral blood, lymph nodes, tonsils, liver, spleen, CNS, lung, and skin associated with high titers of antibody to HTLV. It is noted that T-cell malignancies are heterogeneous in their cell of origin, their histologic pattern, and their clinical spectrums of disease. The study of cells from pts with HTLV-associated adult T cell leukemia (ATL) revealed that the virus genome is acquired by the malignant cells and is not incorporated into the germ line DNA. HTLV is a unique human retrovirus, endemic in several parts of the world, and possibly linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in certain regions. Actually, the term HTLV denotes a family of closely related viruses. Viruses belonging to the HTLV-I strain are discussed. Histopathological features of HTLV-associated lymphomas are somewhat variable when classified according to Rappaport or other conventional lymphoma classifications. Clinical features of ATL also can be somewhat variable, but cases seen in the United States have uniformly had circulating malignant cells. The full spectrum of diseases associated with HTLV is not known. It is of interest that ATL pts seem to be at increased risk of developing opportunistic infections particularly Pneumocystis carinii, even before chemotherapy. The management of pts with ATL has not been as successful as the management of other aggressive forms of malignant lymphoma. Efforts to establish T cell lines in HTLV-positive pts with residual or relapsed malignancy or short remissions were unsuccessful. (47 Refs)
Keywords: Adult Antibodies, Neoplasm/ANALYSIS Antibodies, Viral/ANALYSIS Antigens, Surface/IMMUNOLOGY Antineoplastic Agents, Combined/THERAPEUTIC USE Calcium/BLOOD Case Report Female Human HTLV-BLV Viruses/IMMUNOLOGY Leukemia/*DIAGNOSIS/DRUG THERAPY/IMMUNOLOGY Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii/IMMUNOLOGY Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/*DIAGNOSIS Retroviridae Infections/*DIAGNOSIS/DRUG THERAPY/IMMUNOLOGY *T-Lymphocytes/IMMUNOLOGY MEETING PAPER
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
