[CD96 expression on leukemia stem cells in 69 children with acute leukemia]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are crucial in acute leukemia pathogenesis.
• Identifying novel biomarkers for LSC characterization is essential for improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of the surface molecule CD96 on LSCs in pediatric acute leukemia.
• To determine the clinical significance of CD96 expression as a prognostic indicator.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bone marrow mononuclear cells from 69 children with newly diagnosed acute leukemia.
• Separation and culture of CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+) LSCs using flow cytometry (FCM).
• Detection of CD96 expression on LSCs by FCM, alongside karyotype analysis and clinical data collection.

Main Results:

• CD96 expression was significantly higher in acute myelogenous leukemia than in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (P<0.05).
• CD96-positive LSCs were associated with poor-prognosis karyotypes.
• Children with CD96-positive LSCs exhibited lower complete remission rates and higher rates of infection and relapse post-chemotherapy (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• CD96 expression on LSCs in children with acute leukemia is linked to a poor prognosis.
• CD96 emerges as a potential new prognostic marker for childhood acute leukemia, aiding in risk stratification and treatment planning.