CD96 as a Leukemic Stem Cell Marker in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Relation to Remission Induction Chemotherapy

RASHA RAWI, M.D., MOHAMED A. FATEEN, M.D.;; SAHAR K. HUSSEIN, M.D., HEBA E. ABD EL-RAHMAN, M.Sc.;

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2021.185043

CD96 as a Leukemic Stem Cell Marker in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Relation to Remission Induction Chemotherapy

Authors

The Department of Clinical & Chemical Pathology*, Clinical Hematology Unit, Internal Medicine Department**, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Clinical & Chemical Pathology, Armed Forces Central Laboratory***

10.21608/mjcu.2021.185043

Abstract

Abstract Background: Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) play a crucial role in chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the classical LSCs phenotype is CD34+/CD38-. Successful eradication of LSCs requires combination of different strategies including targeting LSC specific surface molecules. Aim of Study: To investigate the role of CD96, as a stem cell marker, in AML and its relation to induction therapy outcome. Material and Methods: The current study was conducted on 50 patients with de-novo AML, in addition to 20 controls. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we analyzed the expression of CD96, a potential marker for LSCs among CD34+/CD38- cell population in AML patients at initial diagnosis and correlate it to the response of induction therapy. Results: Percentage of CD96 among CD34+/CD38- was significantly higher in AML patients compared to control group (p < 0.001). However, no statistical significant difference was observed between complete remission (CR) and non-remission (NCR) groups. Also the correlation studies of LSC markers with laboratory findings revealed no significant correlation. Conclusions: CD96 expression among CD34+/CD38- cells may be used as a useful marker for detection of LSCs in AML patients. However its expression is not correlated to post induction therapy outcome.

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