Transplant can cure T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia

Blood and marrow transplant (BMT) can help people who have a rare blood cancer. T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is hard to treat— medicines alone typically are not enough for a long-term cure. New research shows that BMT is useful for some people who have this disease.
 
While BMT can cure leukemia, it also can have serious side effects. Researchers wanted to learn when BMT is a good choice and how well BMT works for T-PLL. 

Researchers studied the medical records of about 270 people who had T-PLL and got BMT during 2008-2018. All the people got allogeneic BMT, meaning cells donated by another person.

Research found BMT can cure T-PLL for years. Research also found people were likely to live longer after BMT if they had any of the following before BMT: 

After being diagnosed with T-PLL, doctors should refer patients to a transplant center as soon as possible.

Studies based on patients’ past medical records are not as accurate as clinical trials. 

What are the best options for me? What are the possible benefits and harms of each treatment? 

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