Unit:
Τομέας Φυσιολογίας Ζώων και ΑνθρώπουLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Κωστόπουλος Ιωάννης
Dissertation committee:
Ουρανία Τσιτσιλώνη Αναπλ. Καθηγήτρια
Original Title:
Ανοσοφαινοτυπική και Κυτταρογενετική μελέτη της Μονοκλωνικής Β Λεμφοκυττάρωσης
Translated title:
Immunophenotypic and Cytogenetic study of Monoclonal B cell Lymphocytosis
Summary:
Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) is the prelude of Chronic Lymphocytic
Leukemia (CLL) and probably other chronic lymphoproliferations. Due to its low
frequency, the biological and clinical features of MBL remain unexplored.
The present study included 171 high count MBL individuals. The main goal of the
study was the understanding of the biology of MBL and the mechanisms underlying
the progression from MBL to overt leukemia.
Our findings highlight that there is a high heterogeneity among MBL cases
regarding their haematological, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic features. On
the other hand, the comparison of MBL characteristics with features of CLL
patients indicate that there may be a common biology and common mechanisms
underlying the progression from MBL to overt leukemia.
Follow-up monitoring revealed two different patterns of B-cell kinetics and the
presence of clonal evolution at the preclinical state. MBL cases with clonal
evolution carried a higher risk of progression to overt disease. Moreover, the
increased numbers of absolute B cell count at diagnosis could predict a shorter
time to progression to frank leukemia. In multivariable analysis both absolute
B cell count at diagnosis and the presence of clonal evolution, retained their
independent prognostic value.
Keywords:
Monoclonal B cell Lymphocytosis, Interphase fluorescent in-situ hybridization, Clonal evolution
Number of references:
131