New Prognostic Indicators in CLL: Relation to Disease Burden

Abstract

hronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common lymphoid malignancies and is characterized by a variable clinical course. Given the toxicities associated with currently available therapies, being able to predict which patients will need treatment could play a significant role in preserving bone marrow function and reducing morbidity and mortality. IGVH mutational status, interphase FISH abnormalities, CD38, and ZAP-70 are the four novel prognostic markers that are currently used in clinical practice. CD49d recently emerged as a negative prognosticator in CLL. It has a role in CLL cell migration and retention in LN and BM microenvironment, where they receive growth -and survival-supporting signals. Additionally, low percentage of smudge cells has been appeared to be related to poor outcome. In this study, we aimed to evaluate CD49d expression and smudge cells percentage in CLL patients to explore their prognostic impact and potential association with clinical status and other standard prognostic indicators.