A case of biphenotypic acute leukemia with expression of the AML1-ETO gene rearrangement / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Biphenotypic acute leukemia (BAL) is a subtype of acute leukemia that expresses two different immunophenotypic lineages, most commonly myeloid and either B- or T-lymphoid lineages. This entity has been defined by a scoring system proposed by the European Group for the Immunological Characterization of Leukemias (EGIL). The prognosis of BAL is regarded as being worse than either acute lymphoid or myeloid leukemia that does not show lineage ambiguity. However, a treatment strategy for BAL has not yet been established. We experienced a case of BAL with the t(8;21) translocation, a favorable cytogenetic rearrangement in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The patient was successfully treated with cytarabine and anthracycline for induction and consolidation. The quantitative value of the AML1-ETO gene decreased after achieving complete hematologic remission. Thus, the AML1-ETO gene rearrangement in BAL may be associated with an acceptable response to the treatment strategy for AML.