Expression of CD13 in Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its clinical significance

Abstract

Objective To analyze the immunophenotypes of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL) and correlation between the expression of CD13 and clinical, hematologic and biological parameters in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative(Ph-) B-ALL. Methods Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to analyze the immunophenotypes of the bone marrow blasts in 111 cases of adult and 32 cases of childhood B-ALL. Results The positive rates of CD13 and CD33 in childhood B-ALL patients were no differences compared with those in adult patients [31.3%(10/32) vs 19.8%(22/111), 18.8%(6/32) vs 29.7%(33/111), both P>0.05]. In de novo Ph- B-ALL, the frequency of CD13 in childhood patients was higher than that in adult patients [32.3% (10/31) vs 9.4% (6/64), P 0.05). Difference on time of relapse was found between CD13+ and CD13- groups in childhood Ph- B-ALL patients[(111±16) d vs (683±57) d, P<0.000 1]. The time of relapse between childhood and adult CD13+ Ph- B-ALL cases had statistical difference [(111±16) d vs (319±16) d,P<0.000 1]. Conclusions The positive rate of CD13 is higher in childhood Ph- B-ALL patients than that in adult Ph- B-ALL patients. CD13+ Ph- B-ALL patients, in particular, childhood Ph- CD13+ patients are more likely to relapse. Key words: Leukemia, B lymphoblastic, acute; Multiparameter flow cytometry; Immunophenotyping; CD13