Richter's syndrome

Last reviewed 01/2018

Richter's syndrome is an aggressive large cell lymphoma which results from the transformation of an isolated lymph node in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The remaining lymph nodes are unaffected.

  • around 10% of patients with CLL develop Richter's syndrome with transformation into an aggressive lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma or prolymphocytic leukaemia (PLL)
  • polychemotherapies with antibodies are a treatment option (but without long-lasting remission)
  • allogeneic stem cell transplantation can be used as an experimental option in physically fit patients  (1)

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