Bone marrow lymphocytosis (BML) 20 per cent or greater occurring during remission of acute leukemia has been looked upon in the past as an unfavorable sign that may presage early subsequent relapse. Seventy-four patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia were studied to evaluate the significance of BML in remission. It was found that 14 patients with less than 20 per cent bone marrow lymphocytes at any time in remission had a median remission duration of 3 months and a median survival of 21 months, while 60 patients with 20 per cent or more bone marrow lymphocytes at any time in remission had a median remission duration of 14 months and a median survival time of 34 months. Patients with AGL and lymphocytosis had remissions and survivals not significantly longer than those without lymphocytosis It is concluded that there is no justification for excluding a patient from complete remission status because of bone marrow lymphocytosis.

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© 1968 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1968
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