Absolute CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4-to-CD8 ratios in eight patients with indolent B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Background: There are some patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia who exhibit an extraordinary natural resistance to this malignancy, which lasts for many years. In this study, we report the T-cell subset values and ratios in eight such patients.

Methods: Impath (New York, NY) evaluated immunophenotyping by performing flow cytometry. Absolute CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4:CD8 ratios were performed at Memphis Pathology Laboratory, Memphis, Tennessee.

Results: CD4 and CD8 counts and CD4:CD8 ratios were normal in all eight patients, in contrast to the suppressor cell proliferation and low helper-suppressor ratios that have been previously reported in other patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Conclusion: These results require further study to determine their significance. Implications for further study are discussed.