Cytometry

Immunophenotypic characterisation of Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders in our healthcare catchment Area: EuroFlow screening results from Catlab

Lymphoproliferative syndromes (CLPS) are neoplasms of mature B, T, or NK lymphocytes with clonal expansion and progressive accumulation in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. The WHO 2022 classification divides them into CLPS-B and CLPS-T/NK. Multiparametric flow cytometry is a key tool in the differential diagnosis between reactive lymphocytosis and CLPS through the analysis of the lymphocyte immunophenotype with fluorochrome-labeled antibodies. The Euroflow consortium designed the diagnostic algorithm that includes the Lymphoid Screening Tube (LST), a panel with 12 antibodies that allows the detection of phenotypic alterations in the different lymphocyte lines and their classification. Twenty-seven percent corresponded to CLL-B, 2% to CLL-T/NK, 3% were not assessable, and 6% were follow-up cases. Among SLPC-B, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL-B) was the most common, followed by marginal zone lymphoma. As for SLPC-T/NK, the most frequently detected was large granular T-cell leukemia. The most prevalent entity is CLL-B, often detected in asymptomatic patients thanks to screening in routine blood counts. Overall, approximately one-third of the SLPCs performed showed aberrant phenotypes, reproducing the higher prevalence of SLPC-B over T/NK already described in the literature. Catlab expertise proves Euroflow LST as a fast and reliable tool for SPLC screening, facilitating referral to hematology and improving early detection in the population within our healthcare catchment area.

Role of Flow Cytometry in the Study of Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma

Flow cytometry represents a key tool for the differential diagnosis of Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (LLP) along with other laboratory techniques since it is often difficult to reach a concrete diagnosis. For this reason in Catlab we have added the CD13 antibody in the CLPD-B study panel and we have made a retrospective internal review of its usefulness for the diagnosis of this entity.

Role of Monocytic subpopulations on the differential diagnosis of the Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hemopathy characterized by persistent monocytosis in peripheral blood along with somatic mutations. In recent years, several studies have shown that specific variations in the percentage of monocytoid subpopulations can become a specific and rapid marker to differentiate CMML from other neoplasms or reactive monocytosis.

Catlab has internalized the study of monocytoid subpopulations, performed in the Cytometry department, to contribute to the differential diagnosis of this hematological neoplasm.

Flow cytometry monitoring of anti-CD20 antibody treatment of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune pathologies treatment has advanced in recent years with the use of anti-CD20 drugs. The efficacy of these treatments lies in achieving a profound depletion of memory B lymphocytes and plasmablasts.

Catlab has begun to use a new technique (Bulk Lysis) that allows high sensitivty and precision in the quantification of B lymphocytes. It will also allow to assign monitoring protocols according to the autoimmune pathology, and a more personalized medicine ensuring patient safety.

Diagnosis and Follow-up of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria by Flow Cytometry

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) is the name given to the disease caused due to an acquired genetic mutation in the PIG-A gene which results in the reduction or absence of membrane proteins of the affected hematopoietic cells.

This mutation affects proteins involved in the interaction with complement regulators (CD55 and CD59) .This loss of complement regulation is especially sensitive on red cells resulting on severe pathophysiology episodes of the disease by causing episodes of intravascular and extravascular hemolysis.

Flow cytometry is the method recommended by current clinical guidelines.By Marking membrane proteins of different hematopoietic series affected celular clones are detected ,thus allowing not only their diagnosis but also their follow-up and monitoring.

CYTOMETRY - Evolution in the diagnosis by immunophenotype of CLPD

Chronic B cell lymphoproliferative syndromes (BCLPD) comprise a heterogeneous group of hematologic tumors that affect mature B lymphocytes. Recently, they have begun to be used routinely in clinical laboratories, immunophenotypic techniques that allow the labeling of antibodies with different fluorochromes and provide a specific, sensitive and reproducible count for the different cellular subpopulations.

CITOMETRY - Prognostic markers and Minimum Residual Disease

Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are a group of disorders or entities characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells (PC). The immunophenotypic study of PC by multiparametric flow cytometry contributes decisively in the differential diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of MG.

CITOMETRY - Celiac disease and flux citometry

The disease affects 1% of the population, but is known, is very underdiagnosed because it is often asymptomatic and symptoms occur discontinuously and with a highly variable clinical spectrum. The cytometric study is based on the immunophenotyping identification and quantification of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) of the duodenal mucous.

CITOMETRY - Digital Citometry in Clinics

Digital cytometry allows us a quick study of the interactions between different cell populations suspended in a minimal amount of sample.

CYTOMETRY – Determination of ZAP-70
Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (LLC) is the most frequent leukemia in the western adult population. The median survival rate is 10 yearsand the young have a higher risk of mortality due to the disease. For this reason, the evaluation of predictive factors and treatments that permit good quality, long-term remissions is highly important.