CYCLOSPORINE-A IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA - DUAL ANTILEUKEMIC AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE ROLE

The association of hemolytic anemia and other autoimmune cytopenias wi th chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is well known. The etiology of t hese immune syndromes is still uncertain, despite evidence that the pu tative cell of origin of the B-CLL cell produces naturally occurring a utoantibodies. Cyclosporine A is effective in treating the immune mani festations associated with CLL and, occasionally, has shown anti-leuke mic activity. We report two cases in which cyclosporine A treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia resulted in reduction of CLL cell burden. We then discuss the possible mechanism of action of cyclosporine A an d the nature of the autoimmune processes involved.