Preliminary results of introducing the method multiparameter flow cytometry in patients with acute leukemia in Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Abstract Background. In this paper we present the initial results of introducing the method of multiparameter flow cytometry (MPF) in patients with acute leukemia in the Republic of Macedonia. Aim. The aim of our study is to improve the diagnosis and management of acute leukemia, to establish the correct lineage assignment of the blast cells and to select effective treatment strategy for each single acute leukemia patient. Material and methods. A total of 44 adult (>15 years) patients (from initially 45 tested) with acute leukemia who were consecutively admitted at the Clinic of Hematology-Skopje from January through June 2008, were enrolled in this study. The MPF was introduced for the first time in the Republic of Macedonia and was performed at the Institute for Immunobiology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine-Skopje. Results. Our results showed that morphology and cytochemistry established lineage in 39 of patients, but not in 5 cases that presented as acute leukemia, of which 4 were assigned as myeloid and in one nonhematopoietic malignancy was indicated. Furthermore immunophenotyping change the lineage assigned based on morphology and cytochemistry in one case from lymphoid to myeloid. Results from our study showed that routine immunophenotyping improved the diagnosis in 6 (13.3%) cases. The exact lineage assignment of the blasts cells guides to implementation of specific molecular analyses in some subtypes of acute leukemia and their further definition, which is essential for more appropriate single patient therapeutic decisions. Conclusion. Our data support routine implementation of MPF in the diagnostic evaluation of acute leukemia.