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How I Diagnose Mature T-Cell Proliferations by Flow Cytometry
Steven H Kroft1, Alexandra M Harrington1
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 5, 2022
Summary
Flow cytometry aids in diagnosing mature T-cell neoplasms by assessing immunophenotypic aberrancy and clonality. Understanding T-cell responses and clinical context is crucial for accurate interpretation of flow cytometry results.
Area of Science:
- Hematopathology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mature T-cell neoplasms present diagnostic challenges in hematopathology.
- Flow cytometry is increasingly utilized for T-cell assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the application of flow cytometry in evaluating mature T-cell proliferations.
- To provide a framework including cases, normal T-cell subsets, and diagnostic pitfalls.
Main Methods:
- Review of flow cytometry principles for T-cell evaluation.
- Analysis of immunophenotypic aberrancy and clonality.
- Examination of normal and reactive T-cell subset antigen expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Immunophenotypic aberrancy directly reflects neoplastic phenotype, distinguishing it from clonal expansion in reactive/neoplastic states.
- Characteristic antigen expression patterns exist for major and minor T-cell subsets.
- Certain antigen expression patterns are rare or absent in reactive T cells, aiding diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is a valuable tool for diagnosing mature T-cell proliferations.
- Accurate interpretation requires thorough knowledge of T-cell immune responses.
- Awareness of the clinical context is essential for effective use of flow cytometry.
