The current role of clinical flow cytometry in the evaluation of mature B-cell neoplasms.

Flow cytometry (FC) has a well-established role in the diagnostic evaluation of mature B-cell neoplasms. Effective assessment for lineage associated antigens, aberrant antigen expression, and immunoglobulin light chain restriction requires a well-designed, optimized, and controlled FC assay. However, it is important for hematopathologists to know when flow cytometry has a more limited role, and other modalities, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetic and molecular testing, are more important. This review will discuss the features of an optimal FC assay for the evaluation of mature B-cell neoplasms, and the current role of FC in the diagnosis and sub-classification, prognostic assessment, identification of therapeutic targets, and assessment for disease response to therapy.