Prognostic significance of DNA index by flowcytometry in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

DNA index (DI) is considered an important prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We undertook this study to correlate DI with other presenting features and response to therapy. Of the 30 patients of ALL treated at our hospital and entered in this study, 15 were put on the aggressive MCP (multi center protocol) 841 protocol and equal number on the Alternate protocol. Eighteen achieved complete remission (13/15 on the former protocol and 5/15 on the later). DI was less than 0.8 in 8 (27%) patients, between 0.8 and 1.2 in 18 (60%) and more than 1.2 in 4 patients (13%). These figures are different from those reported in Caucasians. On multivariate regression analysis, the DI significantly correlated with percentage of blasts in peripheral blood (P = 0.0035). There was no correlation with outcome or response to treatment.