To describe three further cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) occurring in patients with preexisting chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We also reviewed the literature of previously published cases.
We discuss the clinical features, histopathology, and outcomes for three patients with ALCL and CLL from Perth, Australia. The cases were also included in a literature review of existing cases and comparisons were made with our cohort.
The three patients included two men (aged 77 and 74 years) and one woman (aged 66 years). All had a history of untreated CLL with diagnosis established 4 to 16 years before. They had lymphadenopathy and/or cutaneous/soft tissue lesions that proved to be ALCL, ALK+ (one case) or ALCL, ALK- (two cases).
Further research is required in this area to establish prognostic and management recommendations. Increasing numbers of cases are being described. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography was not useful in our cohort for diagnosing progression.