A strategy for the clinical remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia elicited by treatment of β‑thalassemia major: A case report

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been suggested as a long-term complication in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). A 12-months-old male patient was diagnosed with β-TM. The patient required a blood transfusion weekly for 2 years. At the age of 4 years, a splenectomy was performed due to massive splenomegaly and frequent transfusion requirements. The histopathological analysis of the spleen revealed extensive hemosiderosis. ALL-L1 with the T immunophenotype and without central nervous system (CNS) involvement was diagnosed when the patient was 5 years old, and treated with anti-leukemic combination chemotherapy and CNS radiotherapy. The patient completed 24 months of treatment and has been in complete remission for 7 years, without long-term adverse events.