ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore the immunophenotypic characteristics of Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph(+)) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in adults and to evaluate their significance in predicting prognosis and guiding clinical treatment of diseases. The cell immunophenotypes of leukemic marrow or blood samples from 35 cases of Ph(+) ALL and 59 cases of Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph(-)) ALL were detected by multiparameter flow cytometry, and their abnormal expressions were analysed. The results showed that the expression of all the Ph(+)ALL cases was found in B-cell lineage. As compared with Ph(-)B-ALL cases, the Ph(+)B-ALL cases displayed the higher expression of CD34 and CD13 (p < 0.05), but lower expression of CD38 (p < 0.05). The coexpressed rates of CD13, CD33 and CD15 in cases of Ph(+)B-ALL and Ph(-)B-ALL were 85.7% and 61.0% respectively. The former was higher than the later (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the Ph(+)ALL cases have the unique immunophenotype. The immunophenotypic analysis of CD34, CD13 and CD38 in adult B-ALL cases contributes to judging the existence of Ph chromosome. Thereby for adult ALL patients having above-mentioned unique immunophenotypes, the detection of bcr/abl fusion gene must be performed. Such phenotypic profile is helpful for predicting the poor outcome of the disease, and for defining patients who require different treatment strategies.