CLINICAL AND CELL-SURFACE MARKER CHARACTERIZATION OF EARLY PHASE OF CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

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  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (1) , 25-35
Abstract
The immunologic surface markers on lymphocytes and clinical characteristics of 35 patients with established (stages 0-4) CLL [chronic lymphocytic leukemia] with absolute lymphocyte counts > 15,000/mm3 were compared to those of 25 patients with CLL in an early or preleukemic phase (counts of < 15,000/mm3). Monoclonal B [bone marrow-derived] cell proliferation was seen in most cases in the latter group, in spite of the paucity of clinical and laboratory findings. Early CLL can readily be distinguished from benign lymphocytosis by surface marker criteria. In untreated CLL, surface marker characteristics are stable with time and predominantly reflect expansion of clones expressing only B cell markers. Small increases of blood T [thymus-derived] cells are often seen. Surface markers are a simple and clinically useful tool for defining and characterizing the preleukemic phase of CLL and its ultimate progression to established CLL.