Investigation of cell size and nuclear clefts as prognostic parameters in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The importance of the size and morphology of peripheral blood lymphocytes has been controversial as prognostic indicators in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was initiated to specifically examine cell size and morphology with respect to presence or absence of nuclear clefts and the relative importance to survival. Eighty-seven cases of CLL that had not been previously treated were examined. Cleaved cells were considered present in significant numbers when they exceeded 5% of the circulating lymphocytes. Prognosis was not statistically significant when cell size and nuclear clefts were examined individually and in combination. This study confirms that clinical staging is the significant prognostic predictor irrespective of cell size and/or nuclear configuration.