Ph1-positive acute myelocytic leukemia with high TdT levels

The authors have determined TdT levels in a case of Ph1-positive AML. Peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells taken during the various phases of the disease were examined. Liquor cells were analyzed when symptomatic central nervous system involvement occurred. High TdT levels were found in all of the phases of the disease including the liquor. TdT eluted at various isoelectric points indicating a shifting of the activity to greater molarity during progress of the disease. Two different forms of TdT were present in the liquor. The authors speculate about the existence of a relation between TdT levels and Ph1-positive leukemia. They point out the importance of TdT levels as functional criterion of remission in acute leukemia. Finally, the existence of different forms of TdT could be the expression of a clonal selection caused by therapy or of a spontaneous clonal competition.