CXCR4 as a prognostic marker in Egyptian chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has variable clinical presentations, and molecular and biological prognostic markers. The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) play an important role in trafficking of lymphocytes and monocytes. The aim was to study lymphocyte expression of CXCR4 and its prognostic value in CLL. A case control study was carried out on 30 newly diagnosed CLL cases and 30 healthy controls. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) was the standard treatment. Flowcytometric measurement of CXCR4 expression on lymphocytes was done. CXCR4 was significantly higher in patients than controls (81.67 ± 17.95 vs. 11.78 ± 2.78; P< 0.001). CXCR4 was significantly higher (P<0.001) in high risk CLL (93.63 ± 6.78) vs. intermediate risk (82.50 ± 7.13) and low risk (75.84 ± 12.23). CXCR4 was significantly higher (P<0.001) in non-responders (91.63 ± 6.98) vs. partial responders (83.11 ± 5.55) and complete responders (70.11 ± 4.44). CXCR4 was significantly lower in survivors vs. non-survivors (80.89 ± 5.09 vs. 85.43 ± 5.51; P< 0.001. CXCR4 had significant positive correlation with WBCs (r=0.45, P=0.01) and lymphocytes (r=0.40, P=0.01) measured at diagnosis. In conclusions, expression of CXCR4 in newly diagnosed CLL is significantly high. CXCR4 increased expression is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to the therapy.so it can be used as prognostic tool.