Immunophenotypic shifts during minimal residual evaluation in a case of leukemic form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK.

Background This study aims to describe immunophenotypic explorations at diagnosis and follow up of a pediatric patient with leukemic phase of ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) by multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). Case An 8-color MFC combination of antibodies allowed to identify neoplastic cells in concentrations until 0.02% during minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. Immunophenotypic shifts occurred in key markers as CD30, CD7, CD2, and CD5, however neoplastic cells were clearly discriminated from normal populations. Conclusion MFC can be a useful tool for ALCL diagnosis and MRD monitoring and may support therapeutic decisions.