Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
CD8 expression in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case of immuno-phenotypic aberrancy
Mili Jain1, Rashmi Kushwaha1, Shailendra Prasad Verma2
1Department of Pathology, King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with aberrant CD8 expression. This finding highlights the phenotypic diversity of leukemia and requires further investigation for prognostic implications.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Immuno-phenotyping is crucial for diagnosing Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- Aberrant antigen expression is common in leukemic blasts, but cross-lineage antigen expression is rare in mature B-cell leukemia.
Observation:
- A case of Rai stage 1 CLL presented with aberrant CD8 expression detected via flow cytometry.
- The patient maintained stable disease for 9 months without requiring treatment.
Findings:
- CD8 expression in CLL is infrequent, with limited cases reported globally.
- This represents the first reported instance of CD8 expression in CLL from India.
Implications:
- The prognostic significance of CD8 expression in CLL is currently debated, ranging from favorable to poor.
- This case underscores the phenotypic heterogeneity of leukemia and the need for long-term follow-up.
- Further studies on larger patient cohorts are necessary to ascertain the prognostic role of CD8 expression in the Indian population.
Abstract:
Immuno-phenotyping forms an integral part of laboratory work up of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Aberrant antigen expressions are a known phenomenon in leukemic blasts, however cross lineage antigen expression is rarely seen in mature B cell leukemia, the reported percentages varying from 1% to 3% in Europe and North America.
Case Details:
We report a case of Rai stage 1 CLL showing aberrant expression of CD8 on flow cytometry. The patient had stable disease at a follow up of 9 months with no requirement of initiation of treatment.
Discussion:
CD8 expression in CLL is rare and approximately 120 cases have been reported from Western population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported from India. The prognostic significance has been variably reported from favorable to poor. At present, our case reflects the phenotypic heterogeneity of leukemia. Long term follow up and evaluation of more cases is required to predict the prognostic role in our patient population. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
