Immunophenotyping of leukemia

J Immunol Methods. 2000 Sep 21;243(1-2):59-75. doi: 10.1016/s0022-1759(00)00228-3.

Abstract

Modern immunophenotyping of hematological malignancies by flow cytometry is assisted by a wide array of easily accessible monoclonal antibodies, by antibodies conjugated to diverse fluorochromes, and by reliable techniques for cell membrane permeabilization. Simultaneous assessment of multiple surface and intracellular markers at diagnosis reduces the number of cells required, helps the identification of the malignant cells and determines the degree of immunophenotypic heterogeneity of the malignant cell population. A few critical markers are sufficient to establish the lineage association in the majority of cases of acute and chronic leukemias and lymphomas. More extensive immunophenotyping can provide information about the cells' stage of differentiation, assess the expression of prognostically important features, and determine clonality. The identification of leukemia-associated immunophenotypes can be used for monitoring minimal residual disease during therapy. The presence of cells expressing these phenotypes in patients who are in clinical remission is associated with an increased risk of relapse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Antigens, Surface / analysis
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping* / methods
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / classification
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / immunology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / pathology*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology
  • Neoplasm, Residual / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm, Residual / pathology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / classification
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / immunology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface