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CD34/CD117 co-expression in childhood acute leukemia
D Uçkan1, G Hiçsönmez, S Yetgin
1Hematology Unit, Ihsan Doğramaci Children's Hospital, Hacettepe University, Yenisehir, Ankara, Turkey. duckan@genetic.gen.hun.edu.tr
Leukemia Research
|March 30, 2000
Summary
CD117 expression, alongside CD34, aids in distinguishing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This marker is valuable for excluding lymphoblastic origins in acute leukemia diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunophenotyping
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- CD117 protein is expressed on primitive hematopoietic stem cells and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding CD117's utility in differentiating leukemia subtypes.
- CD34 is a common marker across various acute leukemias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD34 and CD117 in pediatric acute leukemia.
- To determine the specificity of CD117 as a marker for myeloid versus lymphoblastic leukemia.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of CD34/CD117 co-expression in acute leukemia classification.
Main Methods:
- Immunophenotypic analysis of CD34 and CD117 expression on leukemia blasts.
- Study cohort included 232 children with newly diagnosed acute leukemia.
- Analysis focused on blast percentage expressing CD34 and CD117, individually and co-expressed.
Main Results:
- CD34 was broadly expressed across all acute leukemia types.
- CD117 was detected on >5% of blasts in 60/73 AML cases but rarely in ALL (9/140).
- Co-expression of CD34/CD117 on >5% of blasts was rare in ALL (3/140), suggesting myeloid origin.
Conclusions:
- CD117 is a more specific marker for acute myeloid leukemia than previously thought.
- CD117 expression, particularly in conjunction with CD34, can aid in excluding acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- The findings support the use of CD117 immunophenotyping for improved acute leukemia diagnosis in children.