Is HLH a form of cancer?
HLH is not a cancer. Over the years cancer treatments have been used in patients with HLH. Consequently, Hematologists and Oncologists who treat cancer also treat children with HLH.
What causes HLH cancer?
Acquired HLH in adults can be caused by: Viral infections, most often Epstein-Barr virus. Other infections from bacteria or fungi. Some types of cancer, such as T-cell lymphoma.
Is HLH cancer curable?
Stem cell transplant can cure HLH in most cases. There is no way to prevent HLH, but as healthcare providers continue to learn more about it, treatment improves. Most children who are successfully treated go on to live normal lives.
What kind of disease is HLH?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an inherited disease of the immune system. It’s known as a “primary immunodeficiency.” The body’s immune system fights off infections and anything else it sees as foreign invaders to the body. In HLH, the body makes too many immune cells.
Can you live with HLH?
Long-Term Outlook. Familial HLH is fatal without treatment, with median survival of about two to six months. Chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy temporarily control the disease, but symptoms inevitably return. Stem cell transplant is the only way to cure familial HLH.
Is HLH in adults curable?
Adult HLH is a rare and almost universally fatal disease entity without treatment with published median survival of 1.8–2.2 months.
How long do people with HLH live?
Long-Term Outlook Familial HLH is fatal without treatment, with median survival of about two to six months. Chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy temporarily control the disease, but symptoms inevitably return.
What is the survival rate of acquired HLH?
More recent studies have shown that the HLH-94 protocol resulted in an overall survival rate of 55%. Success or failure of an allogeneic BMT is the most important long-term prognostic factor. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed late in the course of the disease, after irreversible damage has occurred.
Is HLH life-threatening?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by an overactive, abnormal response of the immune system. The immune system is the body’s natural defense system against foreign or invading organisms or substances.
How long can someone with HLH live?
Familial HLH is fatal without treatment, with median survival of about two to six months. Chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy temporarily control the disease, but symptoms inevitably return.
Is HLH life threatening?
Can you recover from HLH?