Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
In Ovo Xenografting of Patient-Derived Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Cells (PDX-ALL)
Published on: August 1, 2025
Prognostic Effect of CD20 Expression in Adult B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Reibán-Espinoza Esteban1, Bourlon Christianne1, Aguayo Alvaro1
1Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico.
Introduction:
The expression of the CD20 on adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL-B) has generally been associated with a poor prognosis, and several studies have explored the incorporation of rituximab into the therapeutic regimen for adult ALL-B patients, with a positive effect on event-free survival (EFS).
Patients And Methods:
We analyzed the prognostic value of CD20 expression and the effect of rituximab for the treatment of Hispanic adult ALL-B patients. We performed a retrospective study of 152 ALL-B patients treated from 2009 to 2016. The patient characteristics and treatment outcomes were analyzed according to CD20 expression (CD20+ vs. CD20-), age group, and treatment with rituximab.
Results:
CD20 expression was positive for 47.7% of patients (n = 72). Excluding the patients who had received rituximab, the overall survival (OS) was greater for the CD20- patient subgroup than for the CD20+ subgroup (11.2 vs. 6.9 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.43-14.9; P = .008). In the CD20+ subgroup, 10 patients (7.2%) received treatment with rituximab, with 100% reaching complete remission (CR) 4 weeks after treatment. In the 18- to 39-year age group, CD20+ patients treated with rituximab had EFS and OS that was not reached. In addition, for CD20+ patients who received with chemotherapy, EFS was 3.9 months (95% CI, 0.6-7.2 months; P = .025) and OS was 7.2 months (95% CI, 3.37-11.0; P = .013). Multivariate analysis showed that the use of rituximab was independently associated with OS and CR at 4 weeks after induction.
Conclusion:
CD20 expression in adult ALL-B is associated with decreased OS. Treatment with rituximab can increase OS, EFS, and CR in the 18- to 39-year age group.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Adult Stem Cells
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:18Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...