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Terminal transferase expression in relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia
British Journal of Haematology
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) expression increased in acute myeloid leukemia relapses. This suggests potential stem cell involvement or aberrant myeloid cell expression of TdT.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a nuclear enzyme typically found in lymphoid precursors.
Observation:
- Three AML cases exhibited increased TdT expression during relapse.
- Initial heterogeneity or TdT-negative myeloblasts at diagnosis evolved.
- Relapse showed TdT-positive lymphoblasts or aberrant TdT expression on myeloid cells.
Findings:
- Significant increases in TdT expression were observed in AML relapses.
- Leukemic cell populations shifted, with TdT+ lymphoblasts replacing TdT- myeloblasts in some cases.
- Aberrant TdT expression was noted on a subpopulation of myeloblasts in one case.
Implications:
- Suggests potential involvement of pluripotential stem cells in AML pathogenesis.
- Highlights the possibility of coexisting subclones with distinct properties within the leukemic population.
- Indicates aberrant TdT expression can occur in myeloid leukemia, challenging typical expression patterns.