Circulating soluble adhesion molecule levels in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatric Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
• Monitoring disease activity and treatment response in ALL is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Soluble adhesion molecules (sAMs) play roles in cellular interactions and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin in children with ALL.
• To assess the utility of these sAMs as indicators of disease activity.
• To determine if sAM levels can monitor treatment response and detect relapse in pediatric ALL.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 35 children with ALL and 30 healthy controls.
• sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin levels were measured at diagnosis, during remission, post-treatment, and during relapse.
• Statistical analysis, including Pearson's correlation, was used to compare levels and assess relationships.

Main Results:

• Children with ALL exhibited significantly higher baseline levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin compared to controls.
• Levels decreased to control group ranges during remission and after treatment completion.
• Elevated sAM levels were observed during relapse, significantly higher than remission and control groups.
• Strong positive linear correlations were found between all three sAMs (r = 0.632–0.788, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Serum sAM levels serve as valuable biomarkers for monitoring ALL disease activity in children.
• These molecules effectively indicate treatment response and can aid in the early detection of ALL relapse.
• The strong correlations suggest individual sAMs may suffice as indicators, simplifying monitoring.