Chemotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia Secondary to Hodgkin Lymphoma: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Meiyi Xu, Ying Yang, Xin Fu, Chunrui Li, Jianfeng Zhou, Li Meng and Danmei Xu

A 32-year old Chinese woman presented with high fever (39C), lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, shortness of breath and general fatigue after initial remission of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The immuno-phenotype of blast cells found in her peripheral blood and pleural fluid suggested abnormal Natural Killer (NK) cells (CD2+CD3- CD56+CD45RO+HLADR+CD94+ with high Ki67). Her serum EB virus DNA was over 1.0�107IU/mL. Combining her clinical symptom and laboratory data, the patient was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, secondary NK cell leukemia and haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH). To date, this is the first reported case that developed secondary ANKL after the treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma. Secondary treatment-related cancers are a major problem in HL survivors. Thus, novel treatment strategies for HL should aim at a reduction of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in order to reduce the risk for development of therapy-related malignancies. In conclusion, improvements of combined therapy as well as close monitoring during clinical follow up could warrant the improved overall survival of HL and prevent fatal complications.