Lymphocytes bearing both T and B markers in lymphoproliferative disorders

The appearance of dual-marked (D) lymphocytes, i.e. lymphocytes having both T and B markers, was investigated in patients with acute (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) as well as with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). E-rosette and immunobead-rosette techniques were combined and simultaneously administered, and the combination was found to be simple, fast and reproducible. D cells could be detected also in normal peripheral blood, however, only in a low percentage. In the blood of 4 patients suffering from ALL, in 2 with CLL and in 1 with NHL the number of D cells were increased significantly. In ALL the relative number of these cells decreased during remission and increased in relapses; thus the determination of the relative frequency of D cells might have prognostic value and could be useful in the choice of an optimal therapeutic protocol.