Richter's transformation
Richter's Transformation
Richter's Transformation (pronounced: rick-terz trans-for-may-shun) is a medical term referring to the transformation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) into a more aggressive form of lymphoma, typically Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).
Etymology
The term is named after Maurice N. Richter, a Canadian physician who first described the phenomenon in 1928.
Definition
Richter's Transformation is a rare but serious complication of CLL, occurring in approximately 2-10% of patients. It is characterized by a sudden and dramatic increase in the size of lymph nodes and/or the spleen, accompanied by a rapid deterioration in the patient's general condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Richter's Transformation may include rapid enlargement of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. These symptoms are similar to those of B symptoms, which are systemic symptoms of fever, night sweats, and weight loss often associated with lymphomas.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Richter's Transformation is typically made through a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and histological examination of a lymph node biopsy. The presence of a high-grade lymphoma such as DLBCL in a patient with a history of CLL is indicative of Richter's Transformation.
Treatment
Treatment options for Richter's Transformation include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation. However, the prognosis for patients with Richter's Transformation is generally poor, with a median survival time of less than one year.
Related Terms
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
- Lymphoma
- B symptoms
- Stem cell transplantation
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Richter's transformation
- Wikipedia's article - Richter's transformation
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