Personalized Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Presenting with Ovarian Apoplexy and Review of Health Emergency Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may significantly affect quality of life and life expectancy in the accelerated and acute phases, especially if presented with health emergencies. Objective: The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the personalized management milestones in CML cases presented with ovarian apoplexy and the analysis of the international experience on health emergencies in this leukemia. Materials and Methods: An original, case-report study was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytological, cytogenetic and molecular examinations of the peripheral blood and bone marrow at the comprehensive research cancer center— Institute of Oncology from Moldova. The real-time PCR was performed for quantitative detection of BCR-ABL gene p210 and p190 transcripts. The ECOG Scale and complete hematologic response (CR) estimated the short-term results. The ECOG performance status served as a measure of functional status. Its scores range from 0 to 5 and correlate with the level of patient functioning. CR is the disappearance of all detectable clinical and hematological signs of malignant neoplasm in response to treatment. CR span was assessed in months. The overall and relapse-free survivals asserted the long-term results of treatment, and were evaluated in months as a case. Results: CML may be manifested by life-threatening conditions, including infections and thrombotic events, splenic infarcts and ruptures, bleedings, etc. CML with the uncommon onset under the form of the ovarian apoplexy is described. The hematological CR was obtained under the treatment with imatinib mesylate. The molecular CR and the long-lasting overall survival (197.5 months) were achieved after the treatment with nilotinib. Under the treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the patient did not experience the disease burden and side effects, and resumed her work, with a good life quality (ECOG score is 0). Discussion: CML may be manifested by life-threatening health emergencies, especially thrombotic events, splenic infarcts and ruptures, bleedings, etc. The CML patients with high leukocyte and platelet counts may experience also different symptoms of hyperviscosity: tinnitus, priapism, stupor, visual abnormalities and cerebrovascular accidents. However, the management of CML with the life-threatening conditions, especially in the accelerated and acute phases, should be realized with participation of the multidisciplinary teams. Conclusions: The ovarian apoplexy may serve as a presenting feature of CML in young females with a highly elevated leukocyte count. The reported CML case underwent successful personalized management with 2 generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, even if designated with Socal intermediate-risk score and complicated by a health emergency.