Objectives: To identify leukemia-associated immunophenotypes in fifty acute myeloid leukemia patients at diagnosis using an eight color multiparameter flow cytometry panel and to detect if they showed any alteration in relapse/refractory cases. Methods: Eight color multiparameter flow cytometry panel with CD45/SSC log gating strategy was used for analysis of leukemia-associated immunophenotypes in fifty acute myeloid leukemia patients presenting to Alexandria University Hospitals at diagnosis, relapse and refractory cases. Twenty bone marrow samples from patients performing bone marrow aspirate for non-malignant hematological indications of matched age and sex were included as controls. Results: Leukemia-associated immunophenotypes were observed in 43 cases (86%). Only one aberrant immunophenotype was identified in four cases (8%), while two to twelve aberrant immunophenotypes were found in the other 39 cases (78%). Strong leukemia-associated immunophenotypes were obtained by the combination of CD2, CD4, CD56 with either CD34 or CD117, in contrast to CD19 which has to be combined with CD117. Refractory cases showed the presence of same LAIPs at both initial diagnosis and persistenT disease, while one of the relapsed cases showed acquisition of new leukemia-associated immunophenotypes after relapse. Conclusion: The good choice of leukemia-associated immunophenotypes depends on their specificity rather than their frequency. The results of this study can help in increasing the sensitivity of leukemia-associated immunophenotypes strategy in minimal residual disease using multiparameter flowcytometry in acute myeloid leukemia patients which is considered an important post-diagnosis parameter associated with prognosis and clinical outcome.

Objectives: To identify leukemia-associated immunophenotypes in fifty acute myeloid leukemia patients at diagnosis using an eight color multiparameter flow cytometry panel and to detect if they showed any alteration in relapse/refractory cases. Methods: Eight color multiparameter flow cytometry pan...