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Correlation between cell size and CD38 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Sameer Manocha1, Zoltan Matrai, Michael Osthoff
1Department of Haematology, Level 2 Duncan Building, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Increased cell size and CD38 expression are linked in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This suggests cell activation may influence the disease
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- CD38 expression and increased cell size are indicators of B-lymphocyte activation.
- Both factors are recognized as adverse prognostic indicators in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CD38 expression and B-lymphocyte cell size in CLL patients.
- To determine if cell activation underlies these observed prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry (FACS) analysis was performed on 140 consecutive CLL patients.
- Mean forward-angle light scatter (FSC) was used to quantify B-lymphocyte cell size.
- CD38 expression levels were assessed in relation to cell size.
Main Results:
- B lymphocytes were significantly larger in CD38-positive CLL cases compared to CD38-negative cases (p = 0.029).
- Within individual patients, CD38-expressing B lymphocytes were larger than non-expressing cells (p < 0.0001).
- CD38 was more frequently expressed on larger B-lymphocyte subpopulations (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- A strong positive correlation exists between CD38 expression and cell size in CLL.
- Cell activation is implicated as a potential determinant of both tumor cell phenotype and clinical outcome in CLL.