Leukemoid reaction response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a patient with cervical carcinoma.

A white blood cell count more than 50 x 10(9)/l associated with a cause outside the bone marrow is termed a leukemoid reaction. Although it simulates leukemia, most of its causes are benign. Malignancy as a cause of a leukemoid reaction is still a medical dilemma. It is thought to be attributed to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secreted by the tumor cells. To our knowledge this is the first time a leukemoid reaction has been reported in association with cervical cancer. We even managed to monitor the leukemoid reaction response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.