Lymphocyte surface markers in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of adults

Pattern of subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in India

Leukemic cells from 124 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 31 chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) were examined for sheep erythrocyte receptor (E), surface immunoglobulin (SIg) and their reactivity with a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing specific surface antigens including pan-T, Common ALL and Ia antigens. In acute lymphatic leukemia, 33% of patients reveal T-cell receptor associated with higher age group, mediastinal mass and high WBC count. Common ALL was predominant between 2 and 9-yr age group. Among chronic lymphatic leukemia, 2 patients were found to be T-CLL while 29 revealed presence of SIg. Ia antigen was detected in 44.4% of ALL and 64% fo CLL patients. The pattern of surface marker observed in our series may be related to our life style, socio-economic and environmental factors.

Acute non myeloid leukaemia in adults. Prognostic factors in 92 patients

An analysis of prognostic factors was performed on a series of 92 adult patients with acute non-myeloid leukaemia (ANML). Four factors were shown to be correlated with a poor short-term prognosis: (1) Neuropathy involving a single cranial nerve (numbness of the chin) as a presenting feature. (2) A low percentage blast cell infiltration of bone marrow (less than 55%). (3) Cytological L2 type or L3 type of cells according to FAB classification proposals. (4) Increased age. Two factors were shown to be correlated with a poor long-term prognosis: 1) A high level of circulating blast cells; 2) A high tumour burden, as in childhood ANML. These two long-term prognostic factors were interrelated. In addition, our results suggested that myelofibrosis could be a poor long-term prognosis factor as well.