Abstract
Introduction. Hairy cell leukemia is a rare, indolent chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by circulating B cells with cytoplasmic projections, pancytopenia, and recurrent infections. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cladribine in managing the disease among patients treated at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina. Material and Methods. This study included 34 patients with immunohistochemically confirmed hairy cell leukemia, treated with cladribine from September 2013 to December 2023. Clinical data were reviewed and analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results. At the time of cladribine administration, the median age was 53; 50% of patients were symptomatic, 65% had pancytopenia, and 62% presented with splenomegaly. After the first cycle, 68.75% of patients achieved a complete hematologic response, and the overall response rate was 100%. The median follow-up period was 51 months. During this period, two patients were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers, one with renal cell carcinoma, and one with both myelodysplastic syndrome and prostate cancer. Additionally, 88% of patients experienced at least one infection, with viral infections being the most frequent complications. Four patients died during the follow-up period, and the 5-year survival rate was 97%. Conclusion. Cladribine is an effective treatment for hairy cell leukemia, demonstrating a good safety profile and potential for long-term remission.
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