What is a common treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia?

Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) is a rare type of chronic lymphoid leukemia characterized by the accumulation of abnormal B-lymphocytes with a "hairy" appearance under the microscope. One of the most effective treatments for HCL is cladribine (2-CDA), a purine nucleoside analog that interferes with DNA synthesis and promotes apoptosis in neoplastic cells.

Cladribine specifically targets the malignant B-cells in Hairy Cell Leukemia, leading to a significant response, often with prolonged remissions. Its mechanism of action is based on its ability to disrupt the metabolism of purines in the cancerous cells, ultimately leading to their death. Clinical studies have demonstrated that cladribine is highly effective in inducing both complete and partial remissions in patients with HCL.

Other treatment options exist but are less commonly used or effective for this specific type of leukemia. For example, rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B-cells and is often used for various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but it is not the primary treatment for HCL. Clofarabine, while similar to cladribine, is less established for HCL and typically