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Published on: March 26, 2018
Flow cytometry applications in detection and classification of leukemia/lymphoma
1Pathology Department, Tampa General Hospital.
Insights
Flow cytometry, using monoclonal antibodies, is now a vital clinical tool for diagnosing leukemia. This technique accurately distinguishes cancerous cells from benign ones, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Clinical immunology
- Hematology
- Medical technology
Background:
- Flow cytometry has transitioned from a research tool to a clinical laboratory staple.
- Advancements in monoclonal antibodies and user-friendly flow cytometers facilitate this shift.
- Clinical applications include sensitive detection and differentiation of leukemias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the application of immunophenotyping for leukemia/lymphoma diagnosis.
- To explain the basic instrumentation of flow cytometry in a clinical context.
- To illustrate the diagnostic utility of immunophenotyping through case reviews.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing monoclonal antibodies targeting human leukocyte surface markers.
- Employing advanced, user-friendly clinical flow cytometry instrumentation.
- Applying immunophenotyping techniques for leukemia and lymphoma analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the specific and sensitive detection of leukemia.
- Showcased the differentiation of leukemia from benign lymphoproliferations.
- Case reviews confirmed the utility in lineage assignment and diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry immunophenotyping is crucial for accurate leukemia/lymphoma diagnosis.
- The technology significantly impacts patient care by enabling correct lineage assignment.
- Immunophenotyping represents a key advancement in clinical hematology diagnostics.
Abstract:
The increase in availability of monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with surface markers on human leukocyte subsets and introduction of more user-friendly clinical flow cytometers have resulted in an evolution of flow cytometry away from a strictly research entity into an important tool in the clinical laboratory. The specific and sensitive detection of leukemia and its differentiation from benign lymphoproliferations is one area in which flow cytometry can substantially impact patient care. The application of immunophenotyping of leukemia/lymphoma using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry and the basic science of its instrumentation are presented. Case reviews illustrate the utility of immunophenotyping in making the correct lineage assignment and diagnosis.
