Leukemias
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, often aggressive cancer of mature T cells. It can produce a very high lymphocyte count, enlarged organs, skin involvement and systemic symptoms.
Other names and abbreviations
T-PLL · T-cell PLL · T-prolymphocytic leukemia · T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (historical)
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation is an important consolidation option for eligible responders and can produce durable disease control. Related or unrelated donors may be used. Autologous transplantation has been studied in selected patients but is not established as equivalent to allogeneic treatment; relapse remains a concern with either strategy.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- T-PLL mainly affects older adults.
- Other treatment options
- Some initially inactive cases are monitored closely. Active disease is commonly treated with intravenous alemtuzumab, with infection prevention and monitoring. Responses may be short-lived, so eligible patients are assessed for consolidation and clinical trials.
- Cells used for transplantation
- Donated blood-forming cells for allogeneic transplantation. Marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and donor type are selected for the patient and transplant approach.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Peripheral T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia: a retrospective study
EBMT / Haematologica · Accessed 2026-09-05 - WHO fifth-edition classification: Lymphoid Neoplasms
WHO classification authors / Leukemia · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Donor and cord blood unit selection guidelines
NMDP / CIBMTR · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
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