Frequency of clonal B lymphocytes in chronic myelogenous leukemia evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Cancer Genet Cytogenet. 1998 Jul 1;104(1):45-7. doi: 10.1016/s0165-4608(97)00435-4.

Abstract

The demonstration of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome in B lymphocytes from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has provided evidence that the disorder originates in a pluripotent progenitor cell. Divergent results, however, exist as to the degree of contribution of clonally derived cells to the B-cell compartment. To address this issue, B lymphocytes were selected from the blood of seven patients in the chronic phase of Ph-positive CML and were examined with dual-color fluoresence in situ hybridization for the presence of the Ph translocation. The purity of the B-cell preparations ranged from 88% to 97% (mean 93%). The Ph translocation was detected in 22-34% (mean, 27%) of the sorted B cells. There was no evidence that the duration of the disease affects the ratio of Ph-positive and -negative B cells. In summary, clonally derived circulating B lymphocytes were present in all patients studied but made only minor contribution to this compartment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD19 / biosynthesis
  • B-Lymphocytes / chemistry
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Clone Cells / pathology
  • Female
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / genetics
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence* / methods
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / pathology
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Male

Substances

  • Antigens, CD19
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens