ZAP-70 Expression Predicts Early Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Progression

ZAP-70 positivity was a better predictor of shorter time to initial treatment than was CD38 positivity or IgVH gene mutation status.

The clinical spectrum of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is highly variable in that some patients experience early progression whereas others have many years of quiescent disease. A variety of clinical features, including Rai or Binet stage and cellular or molecular markers, have been evaluated as predictors of disease progression and treatment response (JW Oncol Hematol Nov 13 2006). Now, investigators with the CLL Research Consortium (CRC) have assessed three of the most promising CLL biomarkers — CD38 protein positivity, zeta-chain–associated protein kinase (ZAP)-70 positivity, and immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IgVH) gene mutation status — to determine their relative utility in predicting aggressive disease.

Blood samples and cl…

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee