Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: A series of 26 cases and literature review

Leuk Res. 2016 Aug:47:136-41. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2016.05.013. Epub 2016 Jun 2.

Abstract

We wanted to describe the characteristics, treatment and outcome of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (SAIDs) associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and conducted a French multicenter retrospective study and a literature review. We included 26 cases of CMML (median age 75 years, 54% female), 80% with CMML-1. CPSS score was low (0 or 1) in 75% of cases. SAIDS was systemic vasculitis in 54%. Diagnosis of the 2 diseases was concomitant in 31% cases, and CMML was diagnosed before SAIDs in 12 cases (46%). First line treatment for SAIDs consisted mostly of steroid, with 85% of response. Second-line treatment was needed in 40% cases. Six patients received hypomethylating agents, with 66% response on SAIDs. A literature review found 49 cases of CMML-associated SAIDs, in whom SAIDs was systemic vasculitis in 29% cases. Hence, vasculitis is the most frequent SAIDs associated with CMML. After initial response to steroids, recurrence and steroid-dependence were frequent. Hypomethylating agents may be interesting in this context.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia; Hypomethylating agents; Immunosuppressive agents; Outcome; Vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic / complications*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vasculitis

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Steroids