An approach to human preleukemia using cell culture studies

Cell culture methods applied to the study of acute leukemia have indicated the presence of many abnormalities. Utilizing this knowledge, we have applied cell culture techniques to the evaluation of a patient population with a recognized risk of developing leukemia. We demonstrate that cultural abnormalities present in some patients with sideroblastic anemia are similar to those seen in acute leukemia, and that these perturbations may be shown before leukemia develops. This study suggests that cell culture abnormalities may reflect mechanisms operative in vivo, and preceding the development of overt leukemia.