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Demko N, Geyer JT. Updates on germline predisposition in pediatric hematologic malignancies: What is the role of flow cytometry? CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2024; 106:331-346. [PMID: 38940080 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Hematologic neoplasms with germline predisposition have been increasingly recognized as a distinct category of tumors over the last few years. As such, this category was added to the World Health Organization (WHO) 4th edition as well as maintained in the WHO 5th edition and International Consensus Classification (ICC) 2022 classification systems. In practice, these tumors require a high index of suspicion and confirmation by molecular testing. Flow cytometry is a cost-effective diagnostic tool that is routinely performed on peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. In this review, we sought to summarize the current body of research correlating flow cytometric immunophenotype to assess its utility in diagnosis of and clinical decision making in germline hematologic neoplasms. We also illustrate these findings using cases mostly from our own institution. We review some of the more commonly mutated genes, including CEBPA, DDX41, RUNX1, ANKRD26, GATA2, Fanconi anemia, Noonan syndrome, and Down syndrome. We highlight that flow cytometry may have a role in the diagnosis (GATA2, Down syndrome) and screening (CEBPA) of some germline predisposition syndromes, although appears to show nonspecific findings in others (DDX41, RUNX1). In many of the others, such as ANKRD26, Fanconi anemia, and Noonan syndrome, further studies are needed to better understand whether specific flow cytometric patterns are observed. Ultimately, we conclude that further studies such as large case series and organized data pipelines are needed in most germline settings to better understand the flow cytometric immunophenotype of these neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Demko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julia T Geyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Hua J, Chu M, Wang C, Zhang H, Luan J, Zhang Y, Li Q, Xiao T, Zhu C, Li X, Fu B. Digital PCR-based GRHL2 methylation testing in acute myeloid leukemia: diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring. Epigenomics 2024; 16:233-247. [PMID: 38343387 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a challenging disease with high rates of recurrence. The role of the cancer-related gene GRHL2 in AML has not been widely studied. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 73 AML patients and 68 healthy controls. Droplet digital PCR was used to detect GRHL2 methylation levels to explore the value of GRHL2 methylation in the diagnosis, treatment response and prognosis of AML. Result: GRHL2 methylation was significantly increased in AML patients (p < 0.01), with high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve: 0.848; p < 0.001). GRHL2 methylation was correlated with chemotherapy response (p < 0.05) and is an independent prognostic factor for AML (p < 0.05). Conclusion: GRHL2 methylation is expected to serve as a biomarker for diagnosing AML patients and predicting prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hua
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Miaomiao Chu
- Department of Precision Biomedical Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Chaohui Wang
- Department of Hematology, Hematology, Qingdao Haici Medical Group
| | - Hangfan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Jing Luan
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Taiwu Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Chuansheng Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University
| | - Xuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng
| | - Bo Fu
- Department of Precision Biomedical Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital
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Rivera JC, Nuñez D, Millar E, Ramirez K, Chandía M, Aguayo C. Mutations in the bZip region of the CEBPA gene: A novel prognostic factor in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Lab Hematol 2023; 45:833-838. [PMID: 37621152 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell formation involves on a complex network of transcription factors. Among them, the CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between myeloid proliferation and differentiation. Imbalances in this network can lead to disrupted differentiation and contribute to the development of malignant diseases. AIM Understanding of disease development and explore potential therapeutic strategies for hematological disorders associated CEPBA gen. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research involved a comprehensive analysis of CEBPA gene mutations in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This encompassed a thorough exploration of point mutations and double mutations in AML patients. RESULTS In the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mutations in the CEBPA gene, especially point mutations, are frequently observed. A significant number of AML patients present with double mutations in CEBPA, which have been linked to a more favorable prognosis in terms of overall survival and event-free survival. These patients also tend to exhibit enhanced responsiveness to treatment. DISCUSSION Unraveling the intricate interplay of transcription factors, particularly CEBPA, holds significant implications for decoding the mechanisms governing hematopoiesis. This understanding offers a potential avenue for deciphering disease development and devising novel therapeutic strategies for hematological disorders. CONCLUSION The findings underscore that CEBPA mutations correlate with enhanced overall survival and event-free survival, with relevance to those presenting within the bZip framework. This knowledge may contribute to advancing personalized treatments for hematological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Rivera
- Department Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Daniel Nuñez
- Department Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Elizabet Millar
- Department Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Kimberly Ramirez
- Department Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mauricio Chandía
- Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Pathological Anatomy Unit, Hospital Regional Clinical Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente, Concepción, Chile
| | - Claudio Aguayo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillan, Chile
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Liu Q, Qi L, Yang M, Zhang X, Li F, Wei H, Wang J. Immunophenotype distinctions of CEBPA mutation subtypes in acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Lab Hematol 2023; 45:743-750. [PMID: 37334560 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with CEBPA double mutation (CEBPAdm ) were associated with distinct immunophenotypes and prognosis. Recently, both International Consensus Classification (ICC) and World Health Organization (WHO) classifications incorporated BZIP single mutations (CEBPAsmBZIP ) into the favorable risk group. However, the immunophenotypes of CEBPAsmBZIP mutations have not been characterized, especially when compared with the immunophenotypes of CEBPAdm . METHODS Retrospectively, we investigated and compared the immunophenotypes of AML with CEBPA mutations. Randomforest model and XGBoost algorithm were used to set up a scoring system based on the immunophenotypes of those patients. RESULTS In a total of 967 AML patients: 218 were CEBPAdm (198 consisted of mutations in the BZIP region [CEBPAdmBZIP ], 20 were double mutations outside BZIP region [CEBPAdm-woBZIP ]), 117 were CEBPAsm (54 CEBPAsmBZIP and 63 were single mutations outside BZIP region [CEBPAsm-woBZIP ]) and the others were wildtype CEBPA (CEBPAwt ). Patients with CEBPAdmBZIP , CEBPAdm-woBZIP and CEBPAsmBZIP shared the distinct immunophenotype of CD7+ CD34+ MPO+ HLA-DR+ CD19- , in contrast to patients with CEBPAsm-woBZIP and CEBPAwt who showed reduced expression of CD7, HLA-DR, MPO, CD34 and a higher expression of CD19. Based on these immunophenotypes, we developed a scoring system to preemptively identify AML with CEBPAsmBZIP and CEBPAdm and validated it internally and externally. CONCLUSIONS AML with CEBPAdmBZIP , CEBPAdm-woBZIP , and CEBPAsmBZIP shared similar immunophenotypic profiles, whereas profoundly differed from the CEBPAsm-woBZIP and CEBPAwt AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Qi
- The Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Miao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Li
- The Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Leukemia Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Leukemia Center, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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Lucas F, Hergott CB. Advances in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Classification, Prognostication and Monitoring by Flow Cytometry. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:377-398. [PMID: 37481318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Although final classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) integrates morphologic, cytogenetic, and molecular data, flow cytometry remains an essential component of modern AML diagnostics. Here, we review the current role of flow cytometry in the classification, prognostication, and monitoring of AML. We cover immunophenotypic features of key genetically defined AML subtypes and their effects on biological and clinical behaviors, review clinically tractable strategies to differentiate leukemias with ambiguous immunophenotypes more accurately and discuss key principles of standardization for measurable residual disease monitoring. These advances underscore flow cytometry's continued growth as a powerful diagnostic, management, and discovery tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Lucas
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher B Hergott
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Droplet digital PCR for genetic mutations monitoring predicts relapse risk in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol 2022; 116:669-677. [PMID: 35849248 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC)-based minimal residual disease has been a poor predictor of prognosis in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aimed to evaluate the incremental value of serial monitoring by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in forecasting the outcome of AML. Twenty-four children with AML were enrolled and the relapse-free survival (RFS) rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival estimates were compared using the log-rank test. Survival analysis showed that the RFS rate in the ddPCR ≥ 0.1% group was significantly lower than that in the < 0.1% group (35.7% ± 19.8% vs. 83.6% ± 10.8%, P = 0.003). Moreover, serial monitoring by ddPCR showed that some mutations remained positive in some patients even though other co-mutations were eliminated, and those patients were more prone to relapse, with a significantly poorer RFS compared to patients negative for mutation (22.0% ± 19.2% vs 83.3% ± 11.3%, P = 0.001). Consequently, ddPCR may assist in prognostic forecasting for pediatric AML.
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Voso MT, Ferrara F, Galimberti S, Rambaldi A, Venditti A. Diagnostic Workup of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: What Is Really Necessary? An Italian Survey. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828072. [PMID: 35251997 PMCID: PMC8893956 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with a wide variety of clinical presentations, morphological features, and immunophenotypes. The diagnostic approaches to AML that are adopted in Italy have been explored using an online Delphi-based process to expand the global discussion on mandatory tests for the correct diagnosis and, consequently, for optimal management of AML in clinical practice. The final results of the panel of Italian hematologists involved in this work highlight the importance of genetic evaluation for classification and risk stratification and firmly establish that karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization in cases with non-evaluable karyotype, and molecular tests must be performed in every case of AML, regardless of age. Obtaining clinically relevant genetic data at diagnosis is the basis for the success of patient-tailored therapy. The Italian specialists also confirm the role of multidisciplinary diagnostics for AML, now mandatory and expected to become more important in the future context of “precision” medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Teresa Voso,
| | | | - Sara Galimberti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rambaldi
- Department of Oncology-Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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Mendoza H, Podoltsev NA, Siddon AJ. Laboratory evaluation and prognostication among adults and children with CEBPA-mutant acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43 Suppl 1:86-95. [PMID: 34288448 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
CEBPA-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) encompasses clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of AML in both adults and children. CEBPA-mutant AML may occur with monoallelic (moCEBPA) or biallelic (biCEBPA) mutations, which can be somatic or germline, with each entity impacting prognosis in unique ways. BiCEBPA AML is broadly associated with a favorable prognosis, but differences in the type and location of CEBPA mutations as well as the presence of additional leukemogenic mutations can lead to heterogeneity in survival. Concurrent FLT3-ITD mutations have a well-documented negative effect on survival in adult biCEBPA AML, whereas support for a negative prognostic effect of mutations in TET2, DNMT3A, WT1, CSF3R, ASXL1, and KIT is mixed. NPM1 and GATA2 mutations may have a positive prognostic impact. MoCEBPA AML has similar survival outcomes compared to AML with wild-type CEBPA, and risk stratification is determined by other cytogenetic and molecular findings. Germline CEBPA mutations may lead to familial biCEBPA AML after acquisition of second somatic CEBPA mutation, with variable penetrance and age. BiCEBPA AML in children is likely a favorable-risk diagnosis as it is in adults, but the role of a single CEBPA mutation and the impact of concurrent leukemogenic mutations are not clear in this population. Laboratory evaluation of the CEBPA gene includes PCR-based fragment-length analysis, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing. Phenotypic analysis using multiparameter flow cytometry can also provide additional data in evaluating CEBPA, helping to assess for the likelihood of mutation presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrian Mendoza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nikolai A Podoltsev
- Hematology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexa J Siddon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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