Deciphering the genotype and phenotype of hairy cell leukemia: clues for diagnosis and treatment.

Deciphering the genotype and phenotype of hairy cell leukemia: clues for diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2019 Jul 08;: Authors: Polderdijk MCE, Heron M, Kuipers S, Rijkers GT Abstract Introduction: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, indolent B-cell neoplasm. The classical variant of the disease is characterized by the BRAF V600E mutation, which is present in virtually all cases. How this mutation leads to the signs and symptoms of the disease is currently not known. Areas covered: This review explores the genetic background of HCL, especially the BRAF V600E driver mutation, but passenger mutations and their effects are also included . The clinical significance of BRAF mutations in other cancer types is discussed, as well as BRAF-induced senescence. An overview of the major forms of treatment of HCL (cytostatic drugs, specific BRAF inhibitors, B cell specific antibodies) is given. Finally, possible mechanisms of the monocytopenia and hairy morphology so typical of this disease are discussed. Expert opinion: Although being a rare disease, HCL and its pathogenesis can yield important information about BRAF-related cancer metabolism. Many aspects of the disease are still unclear, but with the right resources this could change. This can lead to more efficient and specific treatment, thus leading to decreased morbidity. PMID: 31282776 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: Expert Rev Clin Immunol Source Type: research