Lineage assignment role of immunophenotyping in acute leukemia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of routine multiparameter flow cytometry, for lineage assignment of leukemic cells in patients with acute leukemia. Materials and Methods: One hundred cases of adult and children patients diagnosed with acute leukemia admitted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital during 2010 were reviewed. Bone marrow samples were immunophenotyped by multiparameter flow cytometry compared to morphology. Results: In our retrospective analysis of 100 cases, morphology established lineage in all cases (100%). However, immunophenotyping significantly indicated lineage assignment difference from morphology in 16 cases (16%) with p<0.001. The first group of 8 cases was reported to be lymphoid from previously reported myeloid. The second group of 8 cases was confirmed to be myeloid from previously reported lymphoid. Conclusion: The results addressed the significant benefit and supported routine application of immunophenotyping in the diagnosis of acute leukemia.

Keywords

• immunophenotyping
• lineage assignment
• acute leukemia
• multiparameter flow cytometry