[Research progress on prognostic markers of chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains the most common adult leukemia. The recent progress on research of molecular and cellular genetics of CLL promotes the development of the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for CLL patients. IGVH gene mutation status is the most important prognostic marker for CLL patients. Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase (ZAP-70) can be used as a surrogate marker for IGVH mutation status. CD38 is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein promoting B cell activation and proliferation, which can improve the survival of CLL cells and enhance their proliferation, so it also can be used as an independent prognostic indicator for CLL. Chromosome aberrations are found in more than 80% of CLL cases. The most frequent abnormalities are losses of chromosomal material, with deletions in band 13q14 being the most common. The most common gains of chromosomal material are trisomies 12q. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical HLA-I gene. Increased expression of HLA-G leads to the malignant progression of CLL, significantly shortens survival, indicating HLA-G might serve as a prognostic marker in CLL. Toll-like receptors (TLA) are important component of natural immunity. The combination of TLR agonists and release chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and tumor vaccines would bring a breakthrough for the treatment of CLL.