Adult T-cell leukemia is rather commonly seen in the south of Shikoku district as in Kyushu. Seven cases were experienced during a year in our hospital. Clinical studies revealed a high association rate of ascites, gastric ulcer, hypercalcemia and relatively poor response to a combination chemotherapy consisting of Adriamycin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and prednisolone.
Immunological studies confirmed T cell nature of the abnormal lymphocytes, unresponsiveness to PHA or PWM in the blastogenesis studies of lymphocytes, diminished ability as a stimulator or a responder in the mixed lymphocyte culture test, and normal levels of immunoglobulins.
Prophylactic use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for pneumocysitis carinii pneumonia was tried.
Necessity of proper naming and classification as a T-cell type malignant lymphoma was discussed.
