Discordant neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity and cytogenetic response in chronic myeloid leukemia treated with alpha-interferon.

Decreased neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) synthesis is a classical feature of Philadelphia (Ph) positive chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Whether this aberration is an integral leukemic property of the cell or results from mediation by other factors is unclear. During alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) based therapy the relationship between Ph chromosome suppression and NAP synthesis was examined.