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Published on: November 10, 2017
Determining prognosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated lymphocytes
1Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; and Professor of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health, Cancer Centers Branch - Blair Building, Bethedsa, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Cellular immunity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was assessed. A delayed lymphocyte response (peak on day 5+) indicated a better prognosis and longer disease-free period.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
- Assessing cellular immunity is crucial for predicting relapse risk in ALL patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between lymphocyte mitogenic response timing and disease-free survival in pediatric ALL patients in remission.
Main Methods:
- In vitro lymphocyte cultures from 49 children (5 months–17 years) with ALL in remission were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
- Lymphocyte mitogenic responses were monitored for 7 days.
- Peak response days were correlated with the disease-free period.
Main Results:
- Children whose lymphocytes showed a peak mitogenic response on day 5 or later had a significantly better prognosis.
- An earlier peak response (day 4 or earlier) was associated with a poorer prognosis.
Conclusions:
- The timing of the peak mitogenic response in vitro may serve as a predictive biomarker for disease recurrence in pediatric ALL.
- Delayed lymphocyte responsiveness suggests a more robust cellular immunity, correlating with improved outcomes in ALL survivors.
Abstract:
The cellular immunity of 49 children between the ages of five months and 17 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission was studied in vitro by stimulating the lymphocyte cultures with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The mitogenic responses of the lymphocytes were followed for seven days in short term tissue culture and the maximum peak days were correlated to the disease-free period. The patients who had the maximum mitogenic response on day five or later had a significantly better prognosis than patients who peaked on day four or earlier.
