Acute leukaemia after prolonged chlorambucil treatment for non-malignant disease: report of a new case and literature survey

Abstract

A case of acute myeloblastic leukaemia is reported in a patient treated with chlorambucil during 72 months for multiple sclerosis. In a review of the medical literature, 43 additional reports of acute leukaemia after chlorambucil therapy for non-malignant diseases were found. Most cases are of a non-lymphoid type and preceded by various blood and bone marrow abnormalities. The prognosis is poor with a short survival. The risk of developing acute leukaemia after long-term immunosuppressive treatment with chlorambucil is emphasized.