Flow cytometry used to identify histiocytic sarcoma: A case report
Huiping Wang1, Jiakui Zhang1, Qianshan Tao1
1Department of Hematology, Hamatological Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People's Republic of China.
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical Cytometry
|June 18, 2015
Summary
Flow cytometry (FCM) can detect histiocytic sarcoma (HS) by identifying abnormal CD68+, CD11c+, CD14+, HLA-DR+, CD123+, and CD45+ cells. This suggests FCM is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunophenotyping
Background:
- Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy originating from hematopoietic cells.
- Current diagnosis relies on pathology, immunohistochemistry, and clinical symptoms.
- The utility of flow cytometry (FCM) for HS detection remains unclear.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old female presented with abnormal cells detected by FCM.
- These large abnormal cells exhibited a specific immunophenotype: CD68+, CD11c+, CD14+, HLA-DR+, CD123+, CD45+.
- Cellular characteristics suggested a monocyte/macrophage origin, consistent with HS.
Findings:
- FCM successfully identified abnormal cells with a distinct immunophenotype in a patient with histiocytic sarcoma.
- The identified cell markers (CD68+, CD11c+, CD14+, HLA-DR+, CD123+, CD45+) are indicative of HS.
- Pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma.
Implications:
- Flow cytometry can be an effective method for the early detection of histiocytic sarcoma.
- FCM offers a potential adjunctive diagnostic tool for HS, complementing traditional methods.
- This finding may improve diagnostic efficiency and facilitate timely treatment initiation for HS patients.
