Prognostic relevance of thymidine kinase isozymes in adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

To determine whether kinase (TK) isozyme status adds clinically useful information in adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), we have analyzed peripheral blood plasma and lymphocytes of 44 patients with NHL for either TK1 or TK2 isozyme activity. On the basis of isozyme status, patients could be divided into two groups that did not differ significantly with respect to known determinants for survival. The median survival of patients exhibiting peripheral blood TK1 thymidine kinase activity was 40 wk and that of individuals with TK2 activity was in excess of 200 wk. These data suggest that peripheral blood TK1 isozyme is a useful independent biochemical marker for a subgroup of NHL who respond poorly to current therapy and thus require new therapeutic approaches.