Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
From a 2DE-Gel Spot to Protein Function: Lesson Learned From HS1 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Published on: October 19, 2014
Immunophenotyping and differential diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia
1Department of Haemato-Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research, 203 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, UK. estella.matutes@icr.ac.uk
Insights
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and its variant share characteristics with mature activated memory B cells. Immunophenotyping helps diagnose, monitor, and differentiate these B-cell malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and HCL-variant cells exhibit a distinct immunophenotype.
- These cells resemble mature activated memory B cells.
- Similarities exist in histology and membrane marker expression, including Ig heavy-chain and B-cell activation markers like CD103.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the immunophenotypic distinctions between HCL and HCL-variant.
- To emphasize the role of immunophenotyping in diagnosing and managing these conditions.
- To differentiate HCL and HCL-variant from other B-cell malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Immunophenotyping analysis of HCL and HCL-variant cells.
- Comparison of cell morphology and clinical course.
- Evaluation of membrane marker expression.
Main Results:
- HCL and HCL-variant cells possess a unique immunophenotype.
- Despite shared markers (e.g., CD103), differences in clinical course, morphology, and immunophenotype are observed.
- Immunophenotyping is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment assessment.
Conclusions:
- Immunophenotyping is essential for diagnosing HCL and HCL-variant.
- It aids in monitoring therapeutic response.
- It distinguishes these disorders from other B-cell malignancies.
Abstract:
HCL and HCL-variant cells have a distinct immunophenotype that seems to correspond to that of a mature activated memory B cell. Although the two diseases have similarities in histology and membrane marker expression, such as the selected Ig heavy-chain expression and the reactivity with certain B-cell activation markers (eg, CD103), there are differences in their clinical course, morphology, and immunophenotype. Immunophenotyping is an essential tool for the diagnosis of these two disorders, for monitoring and assessing response to therapy, and for distinguishing them from other B-cell malignancies.
More Related Videos
09:01Flow Cytometry to Estimate Leukemia Stem Cells in Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia and in Patient-derived-xenografts, at Diagnosis and Follow Up
Published on: March 26, 2018
08:27Detection of Human Leukocyte Antigen Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Utilizing Label-free Biosensor Technology
Published on: March 24, 2015