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Plasma cell leukemia

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Opinion statement

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare aggressive variant of multiple myeloma (MM) characterized by a fulminant course and poor prognosis. The median survival is measured in months. Therapy and prognosis partially depend on whether the disease presents de novo or as a secondary process involving the leukemic transformation of a previously diagnosed MM. Secondary PCL represents a terminal event for refractory/relapsed MM and is usually not responsive to any treatment modality. The optimal regimens for the treatment of primary PCL have not been firmly established. Induction with combination chemotherapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy (preferably within the setting of a clinical trial), is the current recommended approach for eligible patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Suzanne R. Hayman MD & Rafael Fonseca MD

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  1. Suzanne R. Hayman MD
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  2. Rafael Fonseca MD
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Hayman, S.R., Fonseca, R. Plasma cell leukemia. Curr. Treat. Options in Oncol. 2, 205–216 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-001-0034-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-001-0034-4

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