Patterns of T cell subset alterations in myelo- and lymphoproliferative disorders

Monoclonal antibody defined peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets have been evaluated in 61 patients with chronic haematologic malignancies (CLL, CML, Multiple Myeloma, Essential Thrombocythaemia and Mycosis Fungoides). Common patterns of alterations were evident in some groups of patients. Total T cells and helper T cells showed variable degrees of reduction in all of them, except the Mycosis Fungoides group. In CLL the decrease in total T cells was associated with an increase of cells expressing the Ia like antigen. Suppressor cells were reduced in all the groups studied, except in multiple myeloma. The possible clinical and pathogenetic relevance of these findings is discussed.