Abstract
In a 10-year study of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) in children, we have identified five cases expressing the T-cell receptor tau delta (TCR tau delta). The incidence (26%) of TCR tau delta+T-cell leukemias in our material was high. Clinically, the TCR tau delta+ leukemias represented a distinct subgroup of T-cell leukemias. Mean age at onset of disease, 1.8 years, was remarkably low for mature T-cell leukemias. White blood cell counts were high, lymph node enlargements were discrete, and no mediastinal tumors were seen. Four of five TCR tau delta+ leukemias carried rearrangements of the C tau 2 gene, and transcribed the T-early alpha genetic element.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antigens, CD / analysis
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Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
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CD3 Complex
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CD4 Antigens / analysis
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CD8 Antigens
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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DNA Probes
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Female
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Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte / genetics
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Humans
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Immunophenotyping
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Infant
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Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / classification
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Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / immunology*
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Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / pathology
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Male
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Nucleic Acid Hybridization
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / analysis
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
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CD3 Complex
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CD4 Antigens
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CD8 Antigens
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DNA Probes
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell