Relevance of monoclonal antibody phenotyping and of genetic studies in the classification of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
In this short review we discuss two clinical entities characterized by the accumulation in the blood of mature lymphocytes bearing T-cell markers (formerly T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia or T-CLL). The lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) is characterized by the expansion of granular lymphocytes (GL). Clinically most patients have a benign clinical course, while some have neutropenia. The neoplastic or reactive nature of the disease is discussed. T-CLL with a T-helper phenotype is, on the other hand, an aggressive disease with poor survival. Patients may be classified into two subgroups according to the presence of serum antibodies against HTLV-I. The possible etiological role of HTLV-I in the disease is discussed.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal