Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prognosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is evaluated by both overall survival and response to treatment. Prognosis of AML is correlated with several factors. Of these factors, old age and high white blood cell count are known as poor prognostic factors. Other prognostic factors are cell surface markers. Expression of CD34 has been reported as a poor prognosis factor more than other cell surface markers .The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of CD34 expression and response to induction chemotherapy in patients with AML.
Materials and Methods: Patients admitted for remission induction chemotherapy (since 1999 to 2002) in Tabriz Shahid Gazi Tabatabaie Hospital were studied. Response rate to chemotherapy and the correlation of CD34 expression with response to treatment was evaluated. These markers confirmed by flowcytometry, from bone marrow aspiration or peripheral blood samples, at the time of diagnosis. Response to chemotherapy confirmed by bone marrow aspiration sample study.
Results: Positive response rate to treatment is significantly lower in CD34 positive patients (25.9%) compared with CD34 negative patients (55.6%) (p=0.019).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that CD34 is an independent poor prognostic factor in AML.