Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Characteristics, Genetic Landscape and Management

Abstract

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) represents a rare disease, that has been classified among the BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. The disease is characterized by marked leukocytosis with absolute neutrophilia and its clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to highly symptomatic with massive splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms. CNL prognosis remains relatively poor, as most patients succumb to disease complications or transform to acute myeloid leukemia. Recent studies have demonstrated that CSF3R mutations drive the disease, albeit the presence of other secondary mutations perplex the genetic landscape of the disease. Notably, the presence of CSF3R mutations has been adopted as a criterion for diagnosis of CNL. Despite the vigorous research, the management of the disease remains suboptimal. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation represents the only treatment that could lead to cure; however, it is accompanied by high rates of treatment-related mortality. Recently, ruxolitinib has shown significant responses in patients with CNL; however, emergence of resistance might perturbate long-term management of the disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical course and laboratory findings of CNL, highlight its pathogenesis and complex genetic landscape, and provide the context for the appropriate management of patients with CNL.