Absolute CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4-to-CD8 ratios in eight patients with indolent B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
BACKGROUND
There are some patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia who exhibit an extraordinary natural resistance to this malignancy, which lasts for many years. In this study, we report the T-cell subset values and ratios in eight such patients.


METHODS
Impath (New York, NY) evaluated immunophenotyping by performing flow cytometry. Absolute CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4:CD8 ratios were performed at Memphis Pathology Laboratory, Memphis, Tennessee.


RESULTS
CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4:CD8 ratios were normal in all eight patients, in contrast to the suppressor cell proliferation and low helper-suppressor ratios that have been previously reported in other patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.


CONCLUSIONS
These results require further study to determine their significance. Implications for further study are discussed.
Upshaw
Jefferson D
JD
Memphis Cancer Center, Pathology Group of the Midsouth, Memphis, TN, USA.
Callihan
Thomas R
TR
D000368:Aged; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged