CELL MARKER ANALYSIS IN ACUTE MONOCYTIC LEUKEMIAS

Abstract

Leukemic cells from 9 cases of acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL) were characterized by multiple differentiation markers. Cells in most cases were phagocytic, carried an Fc receptor and stained positively for .alpha.-naphthyl acetate esterase but negatively for naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase. Subtle differences in marker expression were observed which suggested different degrees of leukemic cellular maturation or activation. Cell marker analysis proved to be a useful adjunct to conventional morphology in confirming the diagnosis and recognition of neoplastic cells in AMoL, and may provide insight into the functional state of these cells.