Predicting chronic leukaemias from assessment of complete peripheral blood counts

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Chronic leukaemias encompass two main neoplastic conditions: chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
• Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for managing these hematologic malignancies.
• Complete blood count (CBC) parameters are routinely analyzed in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of specific CBC parameters in identifying CML and CLL.
• To establish optimal cut-off values for leucocyte count, neutrophil percentage, and absolute lymphocyte count.
• To assess these parameters as potential indicators for the presence of CML and CLL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CBC data from 102 patients diagnosed with CML or CLL.
• Comparison of patient blood counts with those from 858 cancer-free control subjects.
• Determination of sensitivity and specificity for various cut-off values of leucocyte count, neutrophil percentage, and absolute lymphocyte count.

Main Results:

• An absolute lymphocyte count exceeding 6.65 x 10(9)/l in peripheral blood suggests further investigation for CLL.
• A leucocyte count greater than 18.0 x 10(9)/l or a neutrophil proportion above 72.6% warrants investigation for CML.
• These identified thresholds demonstrate significant potential for screening and early detection.

Conclusions:

• Specific differential complete blood count parameters can serve as valuable indicators for potential CML and CLL.
• The established cut-off values provide a basis for targeted diagnostic workups in patients with suspected chronic leukaemias.
• CBC analysis offers a cost-effective and accessible tool for initial assessment of chronic leukaemias.