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Increased CD38 expression is associated with favorable prognosis in adult acute leukemia
A Keyhani1, Y O Huh, D Jendiroba
1Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Abstract:
CD38 is expressed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) blasts and its prognostic significance is unknown. We investigated CD38 expression in 304 AML and 138 ALL patients. CD38 was lower in AML-M3 compared to other FAB subtypes (5% vs. 41%; P < 0.001), but was similar among ALL subtypes (56.6%; P = 0.69). Ph + ALL and AML with t(15; 17) patients showed lower CD38 expression than the other cytogenetic groups. Overall survival favored AML and ALL patients with higher CD38 levels. Multivariate analysis revealed CD38 expression to be an independent outcome predictor in AML, but not in ALL.
Insights
Higher CD38 expression on leukemia cells correlates with better survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CD38 is an independent predictor of outcomes in AML patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- CD38 is a surface protein expressed on various immune cells, including leukemia blasts.
- The prognostic value of CD38 expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has not been established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of CD38 in AML and ALL patient cohorts.
- To determine the prognostic significance of CD38 expression on overall survival in these leukemia types.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify CD38 expression on leukemia cells.
- Analysis included 304 AML patients and 138 ALL patients.
- Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were performed to assess outcome prediction.
Main Results:
- CD38 expression varied among AML subtypes, being lower in AML-M3. ALL subtypes showed similar CD38 expression.
- Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL and AML with t(15;17) translocation exhibited lower CD38 levels.
- Higher CD38 expression was associated with improved overall survival in both AML and ALL cohorts.
Conclusions:
- CD38 expression levels differ across specific leukemia subtypes and cytogenetic abnormalities.
- CD38 serves as an independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival in AML patients.
- The prognostic role of CD38 in ALL requires further investigation.