title: The soluble transferrin receptor reflects tumor load in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a parameter of erythropoietic activity and iron deficiency. Increased levels have also been described in hematological malignancies, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the value of sTfR in the assessment of tumor mass in 61 previously untreated CLL patients. Both hemolysis and iron deficiency were excluded. sTfR was measured nephelometrically (normal 0.81-1.75 mg/L).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All Binet A patients had normal sTfR values (1.36+/-0.22 mg/L). In Binet B patients, the sTfR was increased (3.08+/-1.70 mg/L, p<0.0001) compared to Binet A patients. Binet B patients with normal sTfR had a small tumor load and no abdominal involvement. A further increase of sTfR in Binet C (3.75+/- 2.32 mg/L) was not significant compared to Binet B patients. sTfR values decreased or even normalized after successful treatment, whereas relapse or disease progression was associated with another increase of sTfR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sTfR concentration directly reflects the tumor burden in CLL. Therefore, sTfR may be of clinical value in monitoring disease activity, response to treatment and disease progression.
authors.affiliation: III. Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Metzgeroth
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schultheis
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kuhn
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dorn-Beineke
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: LaRosée
authors.forename: Rüdiger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hehlmann
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hastka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011990:Receptors, Transferrin