1. Academic Validation
  2. Hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia

  • Med Oncol. 2007;24(1):7-15. doi: 10.1007/BF02685898.
Ronan Swords 1 Francis Giles
Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Department of Haematology, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
Abstract

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by pancytopenia and variable infiltration of the reticuloendothelial system with "hairy" lymphocytes. HCL is more common in men than women and has a median age of diagnosis of 52 yr. Typically, patients with HCL respond well to purine analog-based therapy. The purpose of this review will be to establish the current status of HCL with respect to its pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and future directions.

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