CXCR4 expression accounts for clinical phenotype and outcome in acute myeloid leukemia

Cytometry B Clin Cytom. 2014 Sep;86(5):340-9. doi: 10.1002/cyto.b.21156. Epub 2014 Feb 5.

Abstract

Background: In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), CXCR4 expression has been correlated with leukocytosis and prognosis.

Methods: We quantified CXCR4 expression by flow cytometry on leukemic cells in 142 AML patients.

Results: We confirm a correlation between high CXCR4 expression and leukemic burden. Furthermore, we documented a correlation with platelet count, dysplastic megakaryopoiesis, hepato-splenomegaly and extra-hematological disease. NPM1-mutated AML displayed a significantly higher intensity of CXCR4 compared to NPM1-wt cases: it is conceivable its clinical phenotype to be driven by high CXCR4 expression.

Conclusions: CXCR4 expression resulted in an independent prognostic factor. Our data support CXCR4 targeting as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Keywords: CXCR4; NPM1; acute myeloid leukemia; immunophenotype; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hepatomegaly
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / mortality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nucleophosmin
  • Phenotype
  • Platelet Count
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / biosynthesis*
  • Splenomegaly
  • Thrombopoiesis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • CXCR4 protein, human
  • NPM1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Nucleophosmin