Leukapheresis for control of chronic myelogenous leukemia during pregnancy

Leukapheresis was used as the sole modality of treatment of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) during her pregnancy. The specific requirements for safe leukapheresis during pregnancy are discussed, and the literature describing the management of CML during pregnancy is reviewed. Leukapheresis may be the treatment of choice in selected pregnancy patients with CML since it avoids the potential teratogenic effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.