lineage based classification
Last reviewed 01/2018
A classification of acute lymphoblastic leukaemias can be made based on the lineage based system:
C-ALL - CD10 positive:
- 50% of cases
- cells are early B lineage as demonstrated by antigen expression and Ig gene rearrangement
T cell:
- 20% of cases
- often associated with mediastinal disease and a high WBC
Pre B cell:
- 20% of cases
- as for C-ALL but cytoplasmic gamma chains now present
B cell:
- rare
- same cell type as seen in Burkitt's lymphoma
Null cell:
- 9% of cases
- no specific lineage markers expressed