Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping of normal and malignant lymphocytes

Area of Science:

• Clinical Immunology
• Hematology
• Laboratory Diagnostics

Background:

• Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping has transitioned from a research tool to a standard diagnostic test over the last 20 years.
• Comprehensive data on lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood of healthy individuals are now available, including age-related reference values.
• Information on lymphocyte populations in other lymphoid organs is also emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the evolution and current applications of flow-cytometric immunophenotyping in clinical diagnostics.
• To emphasize its role in diagnosing hematological and immunological disorders.
• To showcase its utility in classifying leukemias and lymphomas, and detecting minimal residual disease.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing multiparameter flow cytometry for detailed analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations.
• Establishing age-related reference values for lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood.
• Applying flow cytometry to analyze samples from various lymphoid organs.

Main Results:

• Established detailed age-related reference values for lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood.
• Provided reference data for lymphocyte populations in bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus, and spleen.
• Demonstrated the capability of multiparameter flow cytometry to reliably detect minimal residual disease in leukemia and lymphoma.

Conclusions:

• Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping is a crucial tool for diagnosing hematological and immunological conditions.
• It is fundamental for the classification of leukemias and the diagnostic work-up of lymphomas.
• Multiparameter flow cytometry enables routine and reliable detection of minimal residual disease.