The leukocytopenic effect of focal splenic x-irradiation in leukemic patients.

Abstract

The mechanism whereby focal irradiation of the spleen reduces the circulating leukocytes in leukemia is not known (1–4). Possibly the effect is mediated by a humoral factor liberated by the spleen in response to radiation. To test this hypothesis, plasma drawn before and after irradiation directed to the spleen was reinfused into leukemic patients. This report describes the effect of such infusions on the circulating leukocytes in 7 cases of chronic leukemia. Materials and Method Subjects: The subjects were 5 men and 2 women, ranging in age from twenty-two to seventy years. Four of these patients had chronic granulocytic leukemia and 3 had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The diagnosis in each instance had been established clinically and confirmed by aspiration biopsy of sternal bone marrow. The patients were hospitalized during the experimental periods and were seen on an outpatient basis between studies. Leukocyte counts on blood obtained from the ear lobe were made daily during the entire period of observ...