The diagnostic and prognostic value of CD38 and CD49d expressions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Background Little is known about the prognostic importance of coexpression of CD49d and CD38 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Aim This study aimed to investigate the coexpression of both CD38 and CD49d as prognostic and survival markers in CLL patients. Patients and methods Fifty-two patients with newly diagnosed B-cell CLL were included in the study. Twenty age-matched and sex-matched healthy control participants were also included in the study. Patients were subjected to a clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography and chest radiography. Laboratory investigations including complete blood count, β2 microglobulin, cytogenetic analysis, and immunophenotyping by flow cytometer (B-lymphocyte markers and the expression of CD38 and CD49d) were performed. Results There was a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration and platelet counts in patients who coexpressed CD49d+/CD38+ compared with patients who expressed CD49+ alone, whereas white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, lactate dehydrogenase, and β2 microglobulin were significantly higher. In addition, CD49d+/CD38+ coexpression was significantly high in advanced stages of CLL. A positive correlation was detected between CD49d expression and poor prognostic parameters in CLL. The median treatment-free time was shorter in CD49d+ patients (32 months) compared with CD49d- patients (98 months). The median treatment-free duration was shorter in CD38+ patients (28 months) compared with CD38- patients (102 months). In the concordant cases of CD49d+/CD38+, the median treatment-free survival was shorter (24 months) in patients with CD49+/CD38+ patients compared with disconcordant cases of CD49d+/CD38- patients (62 months). Conclusion CD38 and Cd49d expressions are considered prognostic markers for CLL patients and they should be assessed to decided on the patient's therapy and to determine disease prognosis. These molecules should also be tested in a large-scale study to determine their potential in preventing frequent relapses and development of resistance to chemotherapy in CLL.