adult T-cell leukaemia

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is an incurable leukaemia of CD4 positive T cells which is found in association with HTLV infection.

The life-time risk of developing adult T-cell leukaemia in an individual who is infected with HTLV is 2-5%. The risk of leukaemia is greater in patients who are infected during infancy.

Anti-neoplastic therapy typically comprises combination cytotoxic chemotherapy. Other therapies aim to interfere with HTLV replication e.g. zidovudine + alpha-interferon.