Myeloprolipherative disorder type chronic myeloid leukemia--eosinophilic form.

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) is a very rare form of leucemia in the western world. Adequate response is seldomly achieved after treatment with corticosteroids, interferon-alfa (INF-alfa) and medications containing hydroxi-urea (Litalir). The study presents a patient with CEL with no initial therapeutic response to the use of corticosteroids, INF-alfa and hydroxy-urea, and with neither clinical nor hematological response. After setting a diagnosis of CEL, patient was ordinated Imatinib (Glivec tabbletes) in a daily dose of 200 mg. Two days afterwards there was an evident withdrawal of subjective and clinical symptoms of disease, and the complete blood count showed significant amendment.

Prognostic significance of bone-marrow pattern and immunophenotypic score in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia at diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical course and outcome of B-CLL is various and so far unpredictible. Defining prognostic parameters potentiating division of patients in groups with favorable and unfavorable prognosis which could help the benefit assessment of early treatment, improve treatment effects, and potentiate treatment modification for each patient. AIM: To analyze the bone-marrow (BM) pattern and immunophenotypic score at diagnosis of B-CLL and determine the correlation of BM pattern with the clinical stage of disease and immunophenotypic score. METHODS: A sample of 40 untreated patients with B-CLL was divided into two groups: group with clinical stage Binet A and group with clinical stages Binet B and Binet C. BM patterns were observed as a diffuse, interstitial, nodular and mixed. BM immunophenotyping included CD5, CD23, CD22, and CD20 as an indirect indicator of FMC7. RESULTS: The overall sample mean age was 62.88 years +/- 11.10, without significant difference in the age of two compared groups (63.15 +/- 10.53 years vs. 62.60 +/- 11.50 years) (t = 0.16, df= 38, p = 0.88). Proportion of men was significantly higher in stages Binet B and C (12/20) compared to stage Binet A (5/20) (Z=2.24, p=0.025). The percentage of women was higher than men in Binet A stage (75% vs. 25%). The BM patterns in Binet A stage were observed as follows: mixed 50% (10/20), interstitial 30% (6/20), nodular 15% (3/20) and diffuse 5% (1/20). The BM patterns in Binet B and C stages were observed as follows: diffuse 50% (10/20), mixed 40% (8/20), interstitial 5% (1/20) and nodular 5% (1/20). Clinical stage and the BM patterns were significantly associated (c2=8.02, p=0,005). The chance for non-diffuse patterns was 19 times higher in stage Binet A compared to stages Binet B and C, respectively, analyzing 95% CI at least 2 times higher (95% CI: 2.02-866.6). Immunophenotypic score in total sample was observed as follows: score 4: 5% (2/40), score 3: 72.5% (29/40), score 2: 20% (8/40) and score 1: 2,5% (1/40). Immunophenotypic score 3 and > 3 had 77.5% of patients (31/40), but there was no significant association between the immunophenotypic score and the BM patterns (c2=0.76, p=0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Diffuse BM pattern was significantly associated with the clinical stages Binet B and C, compared to non-diffuse BM patterns which were significantly associated with the clinical stage Binet A. Diffuse BM pattern represent the parameter of progressive disease compared to the non-diffuse BM patterns which are more often represented in stable disease. Immunophenotypic score improves diagnostic accuracy of B-CLL, but should not be used as a prognostic parameter of B -CLL.

Morphometric angiogenesis parameters for indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

There is much evidence about importance of angiogenesis in development and progression of solid tumors. The role of angiogenesis, as an indicator of higher malignant potential in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is not clear at the moment. Morphometric characteristics of microvessels in lymph node sections, in previously untreated patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), were studied and relationship between angiogenesis and histological malignancy grade of NHL was also evaluated. Lymph node biopsies samples of 30 newly diagnosed patients with SLL/CLL (n=30) and DLBCL (n=30) were studied. All samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution and embedded in paraffin. Microvessels were visualized by immunohistochemical staining for anti F-8 antibody. In the area showing the most intense vascularization (i.e. the "hot spot"), microvessel density (MVD), total vascular area (TVA), as well as the size related parameters were estimated, by using image analysis program "analysSIS'. Number and size-related microvessels angiogenic morphometric parameters were statistically higher in group with DLBCL compared with SLL/CLL: MVD (p = 0.002), TVA (p < 0.0001), area (p < 0.0001), perimeter (p < 0.0001), minor axis length (p < 0.0001) and major axis length (p < 0.0001). It is to be noted that positive correlation existed between TVA and MVD in DLBCL and SLL/CLL. The present study supports the view that angiogenesis correlate with histological grade of NHL.

[Case report of successful treating of refractory form of chronic lymphatic leukemia in Binnet C stage by using anti-CD52 antibodies]. / Uspjesno lijecenje refrakterne forme hronicne limfaticne leukemije u stadiju Binnet C primjenom antiCD52 antitijela.

Chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent type of leukemia in western world, and a choice of treatment modality depends on current stage of disease. Clinical condition of patient considered as Binnet C stage, requires treatment. Standard polyhemiotherapy (FC protocol) does not always warrant adequate and satisfactory response. This case report reviews the patient with CLL in Binnet C stage, who did not respond on FC protocol in expected way, meaning, hematological and medullar response was not detected. Twelve weeks therapy of monoclonal antiCD52 antibody (MabCampath) was than applied, resulting in normalization of all parameters of disease activity, which was desired effect of the therapy. Administration of monoclonal antiCD52 antibody is justified in case of resistance on conventional previously applied means of therapy.