Immunophenotypic analysis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
La Via, M.F.; Self, S.E.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina 81(10): 629-634
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-1193 PMID: 2291006 Document Number: 364481
Flow cytometric cell analysis with fluorescence-labeled antibodies has become a very useful methodology for the immune phenotyping of lymphocytes. The continued evaluation of lymphocyte cell surface antigens has been of value in this respect by providing a clear picture of lymphocyte differentiation steps. Thus it is now possible to precisely identify lymphocytes of abnormal phenotype which may represent malignant cells. Detection of monotypic populations of lymphocytes represents a monoclonal expansion of a lymphocyte subset which is the hallmark of malignancy. In the case of B cell lymphoma, detection of monotypic populations rests on the finding of a monoclonal expansion of a cell type bearing one type of light chain and of heavy chain and/or one of the specific B lymphocyte differentiation antigens. The diagnosis of T cell malignancy is more difficult to establish and a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma rests on the finding of an abnormal phenotype. Thus flow cytometry in combination with histomorphologic examination is a useful technique for the more precise diagnosis of lymphomas and for the establishment of treatment protocols.