Flow cytometry: Mantle cell Lymphoma
From haematologyetc.co.uk
Background
Typical MCL expresses CD5, but can be distinguished from CLL by the absence of CD23 and CD200.
However, individual markers may not be expressed in all cases - this can cause diagnostic difficulty particularly with atypical forms of CLL or MZL or occasionally other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Generally it is correct to advise cytogenetic or genetic testing to confirm.
| Immunophenotype of MCL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Major markers useful in diagnosis | |||
| Marker | Freq | Level | Comment |
| κ/λ | Expect moderate or strong restricted κ or λ expression | ||
| CD19 | - | Expression is expected, typically more strongly than in CLL | |
| CD5 | - | Expression of CD5 is characteristic of MCL | |
| CD23 | - | Typically not expressed by MCL, may rarely be expressed | |
| CD79b | Expression is expected and should be stronger than CLL | ||
| CD200 | - | Characteristically (though not always) negative in MCL | |
| FMC7 | - | FMC7 is frequently expressed by typical MCL | |
| Other relevant markers | |||
| CD10 | - | Infrequently expressed, expression may suggest FL | |
| CD11C | Expressed in some cases of MCL but not typical | ||
| CD20 | - | Expression is expected, typically stronger than CLL | |
| CD25 | Not typical of MCL, not generally strong as HCL | ||
| CD38 | - | Expression is expected in MCL but CD138 should be absent | |
| CD43 | - | Lower expression than in CLL, may be helpful in some cases | |
| CD103 | - | Not expressed by MCL, consider HCL if found | |
| CD138 | - | Predominantly expressed at plasma cell differentiation | |
Key to table:
Key to colour code for expression frequency Click for link
Key to expression strength code and use Click for link