Expression of myeloid antigens on lymphoblast surface in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia at diagnosis and its effect on early response to treatment: a preliminary report.

Immunodiagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is based on the assessment of surface antigens. There are also cases in which both lymphoid and myeloid antigens can be found on the surface of lymphoblasts. The purpose of our research was to assess the expression of myeloid and lymphoblastic antigens in children with ALL, and to determine the impact of surface antigens on early response to treatment. 58 children [33 girls (56.9 %), 25 boys (43.2 %)] with ALL were studied. Response to treatment was assessed on days 8, 15, and 33. Univariate logistic regression analysis of the effect of myeloid antigens (MyAg) on response to treatment on days 8 and 33 revealed expression of any MyAg on lymphoblast surface as a factor associated with poor response to treatment. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of treatment response on day 33, showed that the expression of CD13 antigen on lymphoblast surface is a key factor affecting delayed remission (p = 0.03; odds ratio 0.12; 95 % CI 0.01-0.81). The expression of MyAg in childhood ALL adversely affects early response to treatment. The expression of CD13 antigen on day 33 is a key factor affecting complete remission in ALL patients.