Abstract
The correlation between lymphocytic surface markers and clinical course was discussed in eight cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
The T and B lymphocytic surface markers were identified by spontaneous formation of rosettes with sheep erythrocytes for T cell, and by cell surface immunoglobulin, receptor for the third component of complement, and the Fc portion of IgG for B cell. In two cases, 70-80 percent of lymphoblasts formed nonimmune rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. However, in six cases, lymphoblasts had no detectable markers.
All of eight cases were easily induced to remission by the combination of vincristine and prednisone, but two cases of them with T-lymphoblasts relapsed in the CNS 1-2 months later and subsequently in the bone marrow and died within 7 months from the diagnosis. The results from this study suggest that the presence of T-lymphoblasts is correlated with a poor prognosis, so we think it is necessary to intensify the prophylactic therapies such as craniospinal irradiation or intrathecal medications.
