[Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood leukemic cells by multi-parameter cytometry]

Abstract

Aim: To explore the clinical application and significance of CD45/SCC gating strategy of multi-parameter cytometry and tricolor fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibodies in immunophenotyping of peripheral blood leukocytes in leukemia.

Methods: Peripheral blood leukocytes were stained with CD45 combined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to different lineage markers. CD45/SSC dot plot was formed and leukemic cell colony, once displayed, was gated for immunophenotyping.

Results: 144 patients with acute leukemia and 51 with chronic leukemia were enrolled. Distinguishable leukemic cell colony was found in 137 out of 144 specimens. 66 patients were immunologically classified as ALL and 67 as AML. 4 patients were unable to be classified immunophenotypically. 27 AL patients coexpressed markers of another cell lineage (20%). Immunophenotypic features of different types of leukemia were described. It is a common phenomenon that AL of one lineage coexpressed markers of another lineage.

Conclusion: An accurate immunophenotyping of leukemia can be realised when leukemic cell colony is displayed and analyzed by CD45/SCC pattern and gating strategy, which is important for clinical treatment and prognosis judgment.