Gastrointestinal involvement in disseminated Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) with durable complete response to 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine and high-dose cytarabine

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2003 Jun;25(6):503-6. doi: 10.1097/00043426-200306000-00016.

Abstract

Successful treatment of infants with gastrointestinal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has been poor, with no specific chemotherapeutic regimen of clear benefit. An 8-month-old male, diagnosed with LCH by skin and gastrointestinal biopsies, was treated with several cycles of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, vinblastine and prednisone with only partial response. Ultimately, two cycles of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine concomitant with high-dose cytarabine led to a durable complete response. Twenty-seven months since the last course of chemotherapy, the patient continues to thrive free of disease. Treatment with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine and cytarabine should be considered for further study in patients with poor-prognosis LCH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Cladribine / therapeutic use*
  • Cytarabine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Male

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cytarabine
  • Cladribine