Maenhout TM, Moreau E, Van haute I, Desmet S, Deeren D. Minimal Coexpression of CD34+/CD56+ in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Is Associated With Relapse.
Am J Clin Pathol 2015;
144:347-51. [PMID:
26185322 DOI:
10.1309/ajcpbs3w1rjdgpzu]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Surface CD56 expression on leukemic cells in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) is considered an indicator of poorer outcome even in patients receiving conventional treatment.
METHODS
In the present case, at initial diagnosis, the hallmark phenotype of APML was found (strong CD33 and cytoplasmic MPO expression, absence of HLA-DR expression).
RESULTS
Both CD34 and CD56 antigen expression was considered negative. The patient relapsed 3 years after reaching complete remission, and the hallmark surface antigen combination for APML was again found. In contrast, the leukemic cells now clearly coexpressed CD34 and CD56. Retrospective analysis revealed the presence of small CD34+ and CD56+ populations at initial diagnosis (<20%).
CONCLUSIONS
This case report suggests that the presence of a clone with minimal coexpression of CD34/CD56 in APML at initial diagnosis should not be neglected since it may be associated with earlier relapse.
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