Definition of the High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient by Immunological Phenotyping with Monoclonal Antibodies¹

An accurate method of classification of the surface membrane characteristics of blast cells from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia would allow a more definitive study of the nature of this disease. Monoclonal antibodies have been produced to the surface antigens of leukemia blasts from a patient with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Two antibodies of interest were obtained from this immunization. These two, in combination with a monoclonal antibody with anti-la specificity, have been used to obtain surface phenotypes for patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Preliminary results indicate that the definition of a high-risk group, using these antibodies, is possible.