Migration of leukaemic lymphocytes (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) through a 3-D collagen gel: a possible prognostic factor.

Abstract

Migratory properties of malignant lymphocytes in 27 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were investigated using 3-D collagen gel. There was significant impairment of migration in malignant lymphocytes as compared with normal lymphocytes. Moreover there was an inverse correlation between Rai's staging and the migration index. Patients with progression of disease also showed a decrease in migration index. There was no correlation between kappa and lambda type in terms of migration index. The prognostic significance of the migratory properties of malignant lymphocytes is also discussed.