Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
HPLC-based Assay to Monitor Extracellular Nucleotide/Nucleoside Metabolism in Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Published on: July 20, 2016
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis; not the same as B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Maya Svenningsen1, Laura L Herborg, Peter Hokland
1majlud@rm.dk.
Introduction:
Depending on the location and the extent of disease, mature B-cell disorders can be divided into benign monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Whereas SLL is characterised by its location outside the blood stream, MBL is distinguished from CLL by a monoclonal B-cell count below 5 × 109/l. Due to its low tendency to transform into CLL, correct diagnosis of MBL is essential. We hypothesised that this might not always be the case.
Methods:
This study includes data on monoclonal B-lymphocyte count based on diagnostic flow cytometry from patients diagnosed in the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2016 at the Department of Haematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. A total of 69 patients had less than 5 × 109/l monoclonal B-cells with a CLL-like immunophenotype in peripheral blood. All cases were classified based on the 2008 WHO criteria and evaluated according to the clinical diagnosis of CLL, MBL or SLL in the medical records. A total of 24 of the 69 patients were classified as MBL.
Results:
In the study cohort, 12 (50%) patients classified as MBL were diagnosed accurately with MBL, whereas nine (38%) were diagnosed with CLL.
Conclusions:
The findings of this study indicate that a sizeable fraction of MBL patients are diagnosed inaccurately with CLL, even after the introduction of the MBL diagnosis.
Funding:
The Danish Cancer Society.
Trial Registration:
not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:15Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
01:30Classification of Leukocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...