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Boris E, Theron A, Montagnon V, Rouquier N, Almeras M, Moreaux J, Bret C. Immunophenotypic portrait of leukemia-associated-phenotype markers in B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2024; 106:45-57. [PMID: 38037221 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) is an essential diagnostic tool in B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B ALL) to determine the B-lineage affiliation of the blast population and to define their complete immunophenotypic profile. Most MFC strategies used in routine laboratories include leukemia-associated phenotype (LAP) markers, whose expression profiles can be difficult to interpret. The aim of our study was to reach a better understanding of 7 LAP markers' landscape in B ALL: CD9, CD21, CD66c, CD58, CD81, CD123, and NG2. METHODS Using a 10-color MFC approach, we evaluated the level of expression of 7 LAP markers including CD9, CD21, CD66c, CD58, CD81, CD123, and NG2, at the surface of normal peripheral blood leukocytes (n = 10 healthy donors), of normal precursor B regenerative cells (n = 40 uninvolved bone marrow samples) and of lymphoblasts (n = 100 peripheral blood samples or bone marrow samples from B ALL patients at diagnosis). The expression profile of B lymphoblasts was analyzed according the presence or absence of recurrent cytogenetic aberrations. The prognostic value of the 7 LAP markers was examined using Maxstat R algorithm. RESULTS In order to help the interpretation of the MFC data in routine laboratories, we first determined internal positive and negative populations among normal leukocytes for each of the seven evaluated LAP markers. Second, their profile of expression was evaluated in normal B cell differentiation in comparison with B lymphoblasts to establish a synopsis of their expression in normal hematogones. We then evaluated the frequency of expression of these LAP markers at the surface of B lymphoblasts at diagnosis of B ALL. CD9 was expressed in 60% of the cases, CD21 in only 3% of the cases, CD58 in 96% of the cases, CD66c in 45% of the cases, CD81 in 97% of the cases, CD123 in 72% of the cases, and NG2 in only 2% of the cases. We confirmed the interest of the CD81/CD58 MFI expression ratio as a way to discriminate hematogones from lymphoblasts. We observed a significant lower expression of CD9 and of CD81 at the surface of B lymphoblasts with a t(9;22)(BCR-ABL) in comparison with B lymphoblasts without any recurrent cytogenetic alteration (p = 0.0317 and p = 0.0011, respectively) and with B lymphoblasts harboring other cytogenetic recurrent abnormalities (p = 0.0032 and p < 0.0001, respectively). B lymphoblasts with t(1;19) at diagnosis significantly overexpressed CD81 when compared with B lymphoblasts with other recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities or without any recurrent alteration (p = 0.0001). An overexpression of CD58 was also observed in the cases harboring this abnormal cytogenetic event, when compared with B lymphoblasts with other recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities (p = 0.030), or without any recurrent alteration (p = 0.0002). In addition, a high expression of CD123, of CD58 and of CD81 was associated with a favorable prognosis in our cohort of pediatric and young adult B ALL patients. We finally built a risk score based on the expression of these 3 LAP markers, this scoring approach being able to split these patients into a high-risk group (17%) and a better outcome group (83%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The complexity of the phenotypic signature of lymphoblasts at diagnosis of B ALL is illustrated by the variability in the expression of LAP antigens. Knowledge of the expression levels of these markers in normal leukocytes and during normal B differentiation is crucial for an optimal interpretation of diagnostic cytometry results and serves as a basis for the biological follow-up of B ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Boris
- Department of Biological Hematology, St Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Theron
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Valentin Montagnon
- Department of Biological Hematology, St Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Rouquier
- Department of Biological Hematology, St Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Department of Biological Hematology, St Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CNRS UMR 9002, Institute of Human Genetics, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Bret
- Department of Biological Hematology, St Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CNRS UMR 9002, Institute of Human Genetics, Montpellier, France
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Kovach AE, Wood BL. Updates on lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma classification and minimal/measurable residual disease analysis. Semin Diagn Pathol 2023; 40:457-471. [PMID: 37953192 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL), especially certain subtypes, continues to confer morbidity and mortality despite significant therapeutic advances. The pathologic classification of ALL/LBL, especially that of B-ALL, has recently substantially expanded with the identification of several distinct and prognostically important genetic drivers. These discoveries are reflected in both current classification systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition and the new International Consensus Classification (ICC). In this article, novel subtypes of B-ALL are reviewed, including DUX4, MEF2D and ZNF384-rearranged B-ALL; the rare pediatric entity B-ALL with TLF3::HLF, now added to the classifications, is discussed; updates to the category of B-ALL with BCR::ABL1-like features (Ph-like B-ALL) are summarized; and emerging genetic subtypes of T-ALL are presented. The second half of the article details current approaches to minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) detection in B-ALL and T-ALL and presents anticipated challenges to current approaches in the burgeoning era of antigen-directed immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Kovach
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Brent L Wood
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Liao H, Jiang N, Yang Y, Zhang X, Chen J, Lai H, Zheng Q. Association of Minimal Residual Disease by a Single-Tube 8-Color Flow Cytometric Analysis With Clinical Outcome in Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Real-World Study Based on 486 Patients. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2023; 147:1186-1195. [PMID: 36508349 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0172-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) measured by molecular and multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) has been proven to be predictive of relapse and survival in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). A universally applicable antibody panel at a low cost but without compromising sensitivity and power of prognosis prediction in adult B-ALL remains unestablished. OBJECTIVE.— To report our experience of using a single-tube 8-color MFC panel to measure the MRD status as a prognostic indicator in adult B-ALL patients. DESIGN.— We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics, MRD status, and prognosis of adult B-ALL based on a large real-world cohort of 486 patients during a 10-year period. RESULTS.— MRD assessed by MFC and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for BCR-ABL+ patients showed concordant results in 74.2% of cases. MRD- status by our MFC panel could clearly predict a favorable relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) both at the end of induction and at the end of 1 consolidation course. Patients with continuous MRD- and with at least 1 MRD- result showed a favorable RFS and OS compared with those with at least 1 MRD+ result and continuous MRD+, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.— The single-tube 8-color MFC panel demonstrated a low cost, decent sensitivity, and comparability with polymerase chain reaction-MRD but an excellent performance in predicting RFS and OS, and thus could potentially be taken as a routine indicator in the evaluation of the treatment response for adult patients with B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Liao
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nenggang Jiang
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Yang
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongli Lai
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Zheng
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Unusual B-Lymphoid Blastic Crisis as Initial Presentation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Imposes Diagnostic Challenges. Case Rep Hematol 2022; 2022:9785588. [PMID: 35795544 PMCID: PMC9252768 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9785588] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder, characterized by reciprocal translocation t(9,22) (q34; q11), leading to increased myeloid proliferation. Most cases are diagnosed in the chronic phase (CP). However, a minority of cases can be present in the blastic phase (BP). In most patients with CML-BP, the blasts have a myeloid phenotype, however, in 20–30% of cases, the blasts have a lymphoid phenotype, mostly a B-cell phenotype. It is challenging to differentiate CML B-lymphoblastic phase (CML-BLP) from Ph + primary B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) especially when the CML-BLP is the initial presentation of the disease, which is uncommon. We report here an unusual case of CML-BLP as an initial presentation of the disease without typical CML morphological findings. This case demonstrates diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach using morphology, multiparametric flow cytometry, cytogenetic studies, and molecular studies to render an accurate diagnosis.
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Singh J, Gorniak M, Grigoriadis G, Westerman D, McBean M, Venn N, Law T, Sutton R, Morgan S, Fleming S. Correlation between a 10-color flow cytometric measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis and molecular MRD in adult B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2022; 102:115-122. [PMID: 34806309 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an important predictive factor for patient outcome and treatment intensification. Molecular monitoring, particularly with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure immunoglobin heavy or kappa chain (Ig) or T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements, offers high sensitivity but accessibility is limited by expertise, cost, and turnaround time. Flow cytometric assays are cheaper and more widely available, and sensitivity is improved with multi-parameter flow cytometry at eight or more colors. METHODS We developed a 10-color single tube flow cytometry assay. Samples were subject to bulk ammonium chloride lysis to maximize cell yields with a target of 1 × 106 events. Once normal maturation patterns were established, patient samples were analyzed in parallel to standard molecular monitoring. RESULTS Flow cytometry was performed on 114 samples. An informative immunophenotype was identifiable in all 22 patients who had a diagnostic sample. MRD analysis was performed on 87 samples. The median lower limits of detection and quantification were 0.004% (range 0.0005%-0.028%) and 0.01% (range 0.001%-0.07%) respectively. Sixty-five samples had concurrent molecular MRD testing, with good correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Results were concordant in 52 samples, and discordant in 13 samples, including one case where impending relapse was detected by flow cytometry but not Ig/TCR qPCR. CONCLUSIONS Our 10-color flow cytometric MRD assay provided adequate sensitivity and good correlation with molecular assays. This technique offers rapid and affordable testing in B-ALL patients, including cases where a suitable molecular assay cannot be developed or has reduced sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Singh
- Laboratory Haematology, Alfred Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Gorniak
- Laboratory Haematology, Alfred Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Grigoriadis
- Laboratory Haematology, Alfred Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Westerman
- Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle McBean
- Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Venn
- Children's Cancer Institute and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tamara Law
- Children's Cancer Institute and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rosemary Sutton
- Children's Cancer Institute and School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Morgan
- Laboratory Haematology, Alfred Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun Fleming
- Laboratory Haematology, Alfred Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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