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Lymphoblastic leukemia with mature B-cell phenotype in infancy
John L Frater1, Jacqueline R Batanian, Dennis M O'Connor
1Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA. fraterjl@slu.edu
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|September 30, 2004
Summary
This study details a rare case of infant lymphoblastic leukemia with mature B-cell features and an MLL gene rearrangement. This finding is significant given the poor prognosis associated with MLL rearrangements in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Lymphoblastic leukemia in infants under one year old carries a poor prognosis.
- Rearrangements of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene are frequent in infant lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Mature B-cell phenotype in lymphoblastic leukemia is uncommon.
Observation:
- The study presents a rare case of infant lymphoblastic leukemia.
- The leukemia exhibited surface immunoglobulin light chain expression and L1/L2 blast morphology.
- The case involved a mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangement.
Findings:
- The infant's leukemia demonstrated a mature B-cell phenotype.
- This mature B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia was associated with an MLL gene rearrangement.
- The cytomorphology was consistent with L1/L2 blasts.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rarity of MLL-rearranged mature B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Understanding these rare genetic and phenotypic combinations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Further research into MLL rearrangements in specific B-cell leukemia subtypes may improve treatment strategies.