Burkitt lymphoma in a child with Bloom syndrome

Abstract

Bloom syndrome is a rare disease characterized by chromosomal instability and increased risk of developing lymphoma. We report on a case of Bloom syndrome in a 5-year-old boy with Burkitt lymphoma. The diagnosis was suspected by growth retardation, repeated respiratory infections, facial telangiectasia, and a low immunoglobulin level, then confirmed cytogenetically by sister chromatid exchanges. Chemotherapy was poorly tolerated, which required reducing the doses. Unfortunately, it was not sufficient to control the neoplasm and the patient died 14 months after diagnosis. Cancers in Bloom syndrome are a challenge since the potentially life-threatening side effects of the chemotherapy may require modifications in standard treatment such as dose reduction, which can compromise the tumor prognosis.