Binet’s Staging System and VH Genes Are Independent but Complementary Prognostic Indicators in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Purpose: Rai’s and Binet’s staging systems have contributed significantly to the identification of major prognostic groups in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), though they fail to accurately predict disease progression at the individual level. Biologic factors, such as the mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable genes (VH, cytogenetics, CD38 expression, and some serum markers, have recently improved prognostic assessment in CLL. In this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of VH mutational status within the different stages of Binet’s classification in 145 patients.