Extramedullary T cell lymphoblastic transformation of chronic myeloid leukaemia successfully treated with matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) inevitably terminates in blast crisis (BC) which is of myeloid phenotype in approximately two-thirds and B-lymphoid in one-third of patients. T cell BC is rare and associated with poor prognosi s. We describe the case of a 48-year-old woman with extramedullary T cell l ymphoblastic transformation. After treatment with combination chemotherapy she achieved a second chronic phase and underwent an allogeneic BMT from an HLA-matched unrelated donor. At 30 months follow-up she is still in comple te molecular remission and in good clinical condition. We conclude that unr elated donor BMT should be considered as a therapeutic option for patients with extramedullary BC.