Chronic myelocytic leukemia in pregnancy: A case report describing successful treatment using multimodal therapy

Abstract

Leukemia during pregnancy is rare, posing a complex series of questions, including appropriate therapy and maternal counseling. Management of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) during pregnancy is limited. Our patient presented at 30 weeks' gestation with anemia, leukocytosis, and a non-productive cough. Polymerase chain reaction performed on a peripheral blood sample confirmed presence of the breakpoint cluster region-Abl1 chromosomal translocation and the diagnosis of CML. Therapy included acute leukocytapheresis, followed by α-interferon and imatinib mesylate. The patient responded to treatment and delivered a viable female infant at term weighing 2613 g. Continued imatinib mesylate chemotherapy post-delivery resulted in complete clinical remission. Successful antepartum management of newly diagnosed CML is possible utilizing leukocytapheresis, α-interferon and, more recently, imatinib mesylate. Definitive treatment should not be delayed due to pregnancy.