The immunological classification of leukaemia based on a rapid microcytotoxicity test
Billing, R.J.; Foon, K.A.; Linker-Israeli, M.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 49(1): 142-148
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 6957278 Document Number: 194635
A rapid, accurate and reproducible cytotoxic antibody test for the immunological classification of leukemia is described. Well-characterized heteroantisera and monoclonal antibodies were distributed in a microcytotoxicity tray referred to as a leukemia screening tray (LST). Leukemia cells were tested for the presence of Ia-like, blast, thymocyte, common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) antigens. Utilizing this technique, T ALL could be distinguished from non-T ALL, ALL and AML could be differentiated, the myeloid blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia could be distinguished from the lymphoid blast crisis, and the T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte lymphoid leukemias were readily identified. Subclassification of leukemia to surface markers, as described here, offers considerable improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia over the classical morphological methodologies. Because the test can be completed in 2 h and unlimited amounts of monoclonal antibodies are available, the LST or similar tests should become universally available to supplement morphological data and replace other lengthy enzyme and rosetting tests.