Heterogeneity of T-cell neoplasias as defined by monoclonal antibodies

Surface marker studies were carried out on neoplastic cell samples (peripheral aspirates and skin biopsies) of 302 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (221 patients) and acute lymphatic leukaemias (81 patients). In 11 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (5%) and eight patients with acute lymphatic leukaemia (10%), the neoplastic cells possessed phenotypic characteristics of T cells. The investigations were carried out by means of an indirect immunofluorescence technique using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (OKT 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10; OKM 1; HNK 1 and VIL A 1). In addition, conventional markers (SIg, E-R 4 degrees, E-R 37 degrees, absorbed polyclonal rabbit antithymus and anti-TDT) were used. Our results, which show a pronounced phenotypic surface marker heterogeneity between the group of T-cell neoplasias, emphasize the diagnostic value of monoclonal antisera as compared to polyclonal reagents. Eleven different surface marker profiles were observed in the 19 patients investigated.