A Case of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting in Leukemic Phase

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) with positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is has a distinct entity among the peripheral T-cell lymphomas. With a 5-year survival rate of 70%, it carries one of the best prognoses among peripheral T cell lymphomas. In rare instances, ALK positive ALCL presents in leukemic phase and it has a very poor prognosis with negligible number of cases reporting a survival rate of beyond one year. Following Case study as a research technique, the researchers tried to discuss about a patient affected by ALK positive ALCL in leukemic phase, associated with t (2;5)(p23;q35). The patient reported the clinic with a three week history of breathlessness, fever, diarrhoea, and axillary lymphadenopathy. His condition deteriorated in spite of rapid initiation of chemotherapy, and he succumbed to the high tumor burden. The study concludes that early diagnosis and institution of treatment is important in this regard. As this is a rare medical condition, with negligible alternative solutions, the present study underlines the need for further research in this area, emphasizing the need for newer therapies. It particularly stresses the need to examine the association of EBV and ALCL, with a specific reference to ALK-negative ALCL.