Cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia and rheumatic disease linked

08-14-2006

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) might develop in patients with rheumatic disease (RD), and vice versa.

According to recent research from Turkey, "We report 4 patients with RD and CML. In 2 patients with Behcet's disease (BD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), CML developed after RD, in 2 patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and spondyloarthropathy, RD was diagnosed after CML."

"A variety of interactions have been described between hematological malignancies and RD. Nevertheless, few cases of RD have been documented associated with CML," explained S. Senel and colleagues, Inonu University.

The researchers concluded, "It is unclear whether the development of CML in patients with RD and RD development after CML occurs by chance alone, is due to the underlying disease, or is facilitated by drugs. Whatever the cause is, it should be kept in mind that CML may develop in the course of RD and RD may be seen in CML patients."

Senel and colleagues published their study in Rheumatology International (Rheumatic diseases and chronic myelogenous leukemia, presentation of four cases and review of the literature. Rheumatol Int, 2006;26(9):857-861).

For additional information, contact S. Senel, Inonu University, Faculty Medical, Turgut Ozal Med Center, Dept. of Internal Medicine, TR-44069 Malatya, Turkey.

Publisher contact information for the journal Rheumatology International is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

Keywords: Malatya, Turkey, Behcet's Disease, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis, Rheumatic Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatology.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.