The CD 10 marker in the investigation of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Immunophenotyping of leukaemias is presently well established. It is invaluable for proper case management [ 1]. The most useful information on the management of cases of Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) is provided by the detection of the CD 10 marker on the leukaemic cell. The CD 10 positive ALL has since long been associated with a favourable prognosis as compared to the CD 10 negative ALL [ 1, 2]. As immunophenotyping is resource intensive, the monoclonal antibodies (MO ABS), are not in widespread use in our country. The expenses involved make this procedure prohibitive in most institutions. For this reason, a limited panel of MO ABS has been used in this study, with a special emphasis on the CD 10 marker. A total of 25 cases of ALL were studied. 17 cases were found to be positive for the CD 10 marker (68%). These cases were associated with a favourable prognosis as compared to the CD 10 negative group. Although, the diagnosis of ALL and leukaemias in general, is essentially based on the study of Romanowsky stained smears [ 3, 4], the additional information provided by the cell surface marker study results in better case management [ 1].