Immunophenotypic analysis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Recenti Prog Med. 1990 Oct;81(10):629-34.

Abstract

Flow cytometric cell analysis with fluorescence-labeled antibodies has become a very useful methodology for the immune phenotyping of lymphocytes. The continued evaluation of lymphocyte cell surface antigens has been of value in this respect by providing a clear picture of lymphocyte differentiation steps. Thus it is now possible to precisely identify lymphocytes of abnormal phenotype which may represent malignant cells. Detection of monotypic populations of lymphocytes represents a monoclonal expansion of a lymphocyte subset which is the hallmark of malignancy. In the case of B cell lymphoma, detection of monotypic populations rests on the finding of a monoclonal expansion of a cell type bearing one type of light chain and of heavy chain and/or one of the specific B lymphocyte differentiation antigens. The diagnosis of T cell malignancy is more difficult to establish and a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma rests on the finding of an abnormal phenotype. Thus flow cytometry in combination with histomorphologic examination is a useful technique for the more precise diagnosis of lymphomas and for the establishment of treatment protocols.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / immunology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / immunology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / immunology
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte