Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease which can affect many different parts of the body, most commonly the skin or bones. Little or no treatment may be required if only one system is affected and usually the disease regresses with time although this may take years. LCH can also be multi-system and is most serious in children under the age of two who have lung, liver, bone marrow or spleen involvement. In these cases children are treated on an international protocol (via the UK Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG)).

 

A survey of children with LCH in the UK and Ireland is being carried out in association with the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU)  http://www.bpsu.inopsu.com/. This two-year study began in June 2003 and all cases identified are being  followed up one-year after diagnosis.   The study has been funded by the Histiocytosis Reseach Trust http://www.hrtrust.org.

 

For clinical advice on LCH please contact Dr Kevin Windebank or for further information about the study please contact Mrs Jane Salotti.