Screening tests for Sezary cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), including Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides, are cancers affecting the skin.
• Accurate identification of Sezary cells in peripheral blood is crucial for diagnosis and monitoring of CTCL.
• Current diagnostic methods may have limitations in detecting these malignant cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of leukocyte volume analysis as a screening tool for Sezary cells.
• To compare the effectiveness of the Coulter S Plus IV and Becton Dickinson FACS analyser in identifying Sezary cells.
• To assess the diagnostic value of automated cell counting in CTCL.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of blood samples from healthy individuals, CTCL patients (Sezary syndrome, mycosis fungoides), and patients with benign skin disease.
• Utilized Coulter model S Plus IV with a three Cell Population upgrade and a Becton Dickinson FACS analyser.
• Compared automated analysis results with morphological examination of peripheral blood films.

Main Results:

• The Coulter S Plus IV detected abnormalities in 6 out of 8 patients with confirmed circulating Sezary cells.
• The FACS analyser identified aneuploid cells in only 2 out of 8 patients with confirmed circulating Sezary cells.
• Leukocyte volume analysis showed higher sensitivity in detecting Sezary cells compared to FACS analysis.

Conclusions:

• Leukocyte volume analysis, particularly using the Coulter S Plus IV, is a valuable supplementary screening tool for identifying Sezary cells.
• Automated cell volume analysis offers an efficient method for initial detection of potential Sezary cells in CTCL.
• This technique can aid in the early identification and management of patients with Sezary syndrome and other CTCLs.