Monitoring the course of chronic granulocytic leukemia with vitamin B 12-binding proteins

Hyman, Michael P., and Reiquam, C. W.: Monitoring the course of chronic granulocytic leukemia with vitamin B 12-binding proteins. Am J Clin Pathol 63: 796-803, 1975. Vitamin B 12-binding protein levels (UBBC) have been used in the diagnosis of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL), but little data on the course of these patients and the fluctuation of their UBBC are available. Serial UBBC were determined for 12 patients with CGL over various periods of time. Some patients remained in relapse aapse. Throughout, the B 12-binding protein levels were a faithful monitor of each patient's course. The beta/alpha ratio, indicating the relative amount of the binding protein fractions probably reflects the clinical status of the patient in a way that is not presently utilizable. Measurement of B 12-binding proteins during the course of chronic granulocytic leukemia may prove helpful in the long-term care of these patients. (Key words: Vitamin B 12-binding proteins; Chronic granulocytic leukemia.)