title: Lack of prognostic value of T-, B- and null-lymphocytes in adult acute leukemia.
abstract: The distribution of T-, B- and null-lymphocytes was studied in the peripheral blood of 38 adult patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and 15 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) at first diagnosis, during induction treatment, and in remission. Thirteen ANLL and 9 ALL patients were followed until relapse and during reinduction therapy. T- and B-cells were detected by specific membrane marker. The pre- and posttreatment pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations was analyzed to determine their prognostic significance for remission incidence, remission duration, and survival. It was observed that in both types of leukemia, T-cells are more affected by the leukemic process and cytostatic drugs than B-cells. Nonresponding patients possibly have a reduced potential for recruiting precursor T- and B-cells. At first diagnosis, no significant correlation was found between pre- or posttreatment variables and prognosis. At relapse, ANLL patients had a longer second remission when a high proportion of B-cells was found; ALL patients with a high lymphocyte count before and after treatment, experienced longer survival.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008215:Lymphocytes, Null / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents