Chronic lymphocytic leukemia following successfull treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma: report of two patients

Abstract

Over the past few decades, introducing effective therapy, improved staging procedures, and significant improvement of supportive measures, significantly improved the prospects for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, leading to a 75-90% cure rate. Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors are at high risk of developing a large variety of second malignant neoplasms. It is crucial to maintain awareness regarding this issue. The subsequent development of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in patients after successful treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is an extremely rare possibility. The relationship between these two lymphoproliferative disorders is unclear. Herein we describe two cases of CLL, developed in previously treated patients with HL, with characterization of two distinct lymphoproliferative disease in these two patients. We also systematically reviewed the existing literature on this very rare occurrence of treatment-induced second hematological malignancies.