Impact of CD105 Flow-Cytometric Expression on Childhood B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BACKGROUND: CD105 (Endoglin) is a receptor of the transforming growth factor-Beta (TGF- β) superfamily. It is expressed in angiogenic endothelial cells and is considered a powerful marker of angiogenesis and a potential main player in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases as well as tumor progression. CD105 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in many types of solid malignancies, however, its influence on hematological neoplasms is still an area of interest. PURPOSE: To assess the flow-cytometric expression of CD105 in childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and its relation to disease response after the induction chemotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty children newly diagnosed with B-ALL were screened for flow-cytometric expression of CD105 at time of diagnosis, then they were followed up to detect their response to induction therapy. RESULTS: CD105 was expressed in 41.2% of B-ALL patients. Higher expression of CD105 was observed in high and very high-risk groups. The multivariate analysis considered CD105 positivity as an independent prognostic marker for response to induction therapy. Values higher than 2.5 Specific fluorescence indices (SFIs) and 35% expression were sensitive predictors to induction failure. CONCLUSION: CD105 can be considered as a potential prognostic marker for the detection of response to induction therapy in childhood B-ALL, and it can serve to optimize treatment decisions.