The use of monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry to detect peripheral blood and bone marrow involvement of a diffuse, poorly differentiated lymphoma.
Using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry, we were able to characterize the phenotype of a diffuse, poorly differentiated lymphoma and to isolate subpopulations of cells from the blood and bone marrow that expressed the malignant phenotype even though the patient exhibited no absolute lymphocytosis. Because the circulating clone reacted with the anti-T cell monoclonal antibody T101, we initiated serotherapy with T101 as part of a phase I study. A 10 mg infusion of T101 resulted in the rapid clearance of normal T cells from circulation, but the clone showed evidence of modulation and was not cleared. Twenty-four hours following infusion, all cell populations had returned to pre-treatment levels. Our study suggests that, by using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry, blood and bone marrow involvement of a lymphoma can be demonstrated in patients without absolute lymphocytosis, a finding which may influence the staging and treatment of the disease.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G