Leukaemic intermediate lymphocytic lymphomas: analysis of twelve cases diagnosed by morphology

Twelve cases of leukaemic intermediate diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma (ILL), diagnosed by morphology, were analysed. The morphology of the ILL cells was so typical that it allowed ready distinction from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other related B cell disorders. All cases were of B derivation, had strong mu and chi or lambda immunoglobulin (Ig) staining, were CD5 and FMC7 positive and CD10 negative. Cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 8 patients all having t(11;14)(q13;q32). DNA analysis revealed a relatively high incidence of hypoploidy. At diagnosis all the patients (9 males, 5 females; median age 68) had a low degree of absolute lymphocytosis but the disease was advanced and mostly widespread. The course of the disease appears to be aggressive and incurable with conventional combination chemotherapy.