[Immunophenotyping of haematologic malignancies]

Over the last 10 years, immunophenotyping of haematologic malignancies has become an indispensable diagnostic supplement to the classical morphological approach. Immunophenotyping of haematopoietic cells is performed with the use of a number of monoclonal antibodies (MOABs), which are directed specifically against structures of blood cells that become expressed at the different stages of differentiation and maturation. Cells to which the fluorescently labelled MOABs are directed can be recognised and measured using fluorescence microscopy or fluorescence flow cytometry. Many MOABs, fluorochromes and user-friendly flow cytometers have become available in the last 15 years, as a result of which immunophenotyping is now routinely applied in clinical practice. Immunophenotyping has the potential to classify leukaemias and other malignant lymphomas according to cell type and stage of maturation. This information is important for the establishment of the right diagnosis and prognosis, and for the optimal treatment choice. In a number of cases immunophenotyping provides information which cannot be obtained by simple morphological investigation. The immunophenotyping of blood and bone-marrow cells is also a sensitive method for detecting minimal residual disease after an apparent complete remission has been achieved.