Leucémie a tricholeucocytes

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) accounts for 2 % of all haematologic cancers. The diagnosis is based on the identification of hairy cells in the peripheral blood and/or bone marrow. Hairy cells are B-cells which express CD 103 and DBA-44 without expressing CD5. No specific genetic abnormality was described in HCL and it is necessary to distinguish HCL from all other B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders because specific treatment is required. The optimal treatment is debatable. Interferon-alpha 2a was the first new drug which considerably changed the management of patients with HCL. Purine analogs, 2′-deoxycoformycin or 2-chloro-deoxyadenosine are very active and preferred. However the risk of cytopenia, immunosuppression and second cancer must be evaluated care-fully.