Therapeutic cytapheresis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The role of therapeutic reductive lymphapheresis in 59 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was reviewed. Reduction in lymphocytosis, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly was noted in 50%-60% of the patients studied. In addition to mobilization of the lymphoid tumor load, 40% of the patients showed an improvement in their hemogram. Although apheresis-induced anemia can occur, reported complications were minimal. These studies suggest that a majority of CLL patients might benefit from therapeutic lymphapheresis.