Jackie Grace PCL Foundation

What is Plasma Cell Leukemia?

Plasma Cell Leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer. It begins in plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell that helps protect your body by producing antibodies to fight infections. In PCL, these plasma cells grow out of control and spill into the bloodstream. This disrupts the balance of healthy cells and makes it harder for your body to function properly.

Symptoms of Plasma Cell Leukemia

The symptoms of PCL can vary, but common ones include:

Fatigue: Caused by low red blood cells (anemia).

Frequent infections: Due to a weakened immune system.

Bone pain or fractures: From damage to bone tissue.

Unexplained weight loss.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, especially if they're persistent, it's important to see a doctor.

How Rare is PCL?

Incidence: PCL is extremely rare, accounting for about 1-2% of all plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma.

Diagnosis: Each year, only about 1 in 10 million people are diagnosed with PCL.

How is Plasma Cell Leukemia Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose PCL with:

Blood Tests: These check for high levels of abnormal plasma cells in the blood.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: A small sample of bone marrow is examined to confirm the diagnosis.

Key Diagnostic Numbers

Plasma Cells in Blood: PCL is diagnosed when plasma cells make up at least 20% of the white blood cells in a peripheral blood smearPeripheral blood smear: A test that looks at a small sample of your blood under a microscope. This test can help doctors see if there are any unusual shapes or sizes of your red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. or when there are ≥2,000 plasma cells/μLμL stands for microliter, which is a unit of volume in the metric system. One microliter is equal to one millionth of a liter (1 μL = 0.000001 liters). It's often used in scientific and medical contexts to measure very small quantities of liquids, such as in blood tests. of blood.

Normal Levels for Comparison:

White blood cells (WBC): 4,000–11,000 cells/μL

Plasma cells: Rarely seen in normal blood; typically remain in bone marrow.

A diagnosis of PCL is typically made when plasma cells make up more than 20% of the white blood cells in the bloodstream.

How is Plasma Cell Leukemia Treated?

Treatment focuses on stopping the growth of abnormal plasma cells and restoring healthy blood cell production. Options include:

Chemotherapy:

Drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy:

Bortezomib (Velcade): disrupts cancer cell survival pathways.

Lenalidomide (Revlimid): enhances immune system response against cancer.

Stem Cell Transplant (SCT):

Autologous Something that originates from the same individual's body. In medical contexts, it’s commonly used to describe procedures involving cells, tissues, or organs that are harvested and then given back to the same person. SCT can improve survival in eligible patients by replenishing healthy blood cells.

Supportive Care:

Includes bisphosphonates to protect bones, blood transfusions, and infection prevention.

Why is PCL Challenging to Treat?

PCL progresses faster than related conditions like multiple myeloma and is often diagnosed at advanced stages. This makes early detection crucial for improving outcomes.

Why Understanding PCL Matters

Plasma Cell Leukemia is rare but serious. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. By learning more about PCL and supporting research, you can help bring hope to those affected.