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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Two Flow Cytometric Approaches of NKG2D Ligand Surface Detection to Distinguish Stem Cells from Bulk Subpopulations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Published on: February 21, 2021
Myeloid/NK cell acute leukemia
Bobin Chen1, Xiaoping Xu2, Meirong Ji1
1Department of Hematology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Urumuqi Road (Middle), 200040, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Myeloid/NK cell leukemia is a distinct, mature entity differing from precursor acute leukemia. This case study details its presentation, immunophenotype, and successful treatment with acute myeloid leukemia chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myeloid/NK cell leukemia represents a distinct hematologic malignancy.
- It is characterized by more mature cells compared to precursor acute leukemia or blastic NK cell lymphoma/leukemia.
Observation:
- A patient presented with leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Bone marrow morphology resembled acute promyelocytic leukemia.
- Leukemia cells expressed CD13, CD33, CD15, and CD56, but lacked CD34, HLA-DR, and CD16.
Findings:
- The case exhibited a unique immunophenotype without abnormal cytogenetics.
- The patient achieved complete remission following treatment.
- Treatment followed standard protocols for acute myeloid leukemia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the distinct nature of Myeloid/NK cell leukemia.
- Standard chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia can be effective.
- Further research into this specific leukemia subtype is warranted.
Abstract:
Myeloid/NK cell leukemia is distinct entity, being different from the myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukemia and blastic NK cell lymphoma/leukemia in morphology and immunotypes. The entity is a more mature state than the latter. We reported a typical case with presentation, immunology and cytogenetic results. The patient went to see a doctor with leucocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia. There are no superficial lymph nodes and splenohepatomegaly. The morphology of leukemia cells in bone marrow was similar to that of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The leukemia cells express CD13, CD33, CD15, and CD56, not expressing CD34, HLA-DR and CD16. No abnormal cytogenetics were found. The patients were given chemotherapy as acute myeloid leukemia, and got complete remission.
