Human T cell lymphotropic virus-associated leukemia/lymphoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article summarizes the current pathophysiologic basis for human T cell lymphotropic virus-associated leukemia/lymphoma as well as past, present, and future therapeutic options.

RECENT FINDINGS: New studies have been published on allogeneic stem cell transplantation, arsenic trioxide, and bortezomib for this condition.

SUMMARY: Studies of the molecular biology of human T cell lymphotropic virus-1-induced T cell leukemia/lymphoma have defined a critical role for oncoprotein, Tax, and activation of nuclear factor kappaB transcription pathways, which have provided rational approaches to improved therapy for T cell leukemia/lymphoma as well as a model for other hematopoietic malignancies characterized by nuclear factor kappaB activation.