Work

Importance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Cytometry in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. Central nervous system (CNS) leukemia is usually diagnosed using microscopy and cytospin-based cytology, which has low sensitivity for detecting minimal events. Following the evaluation of bone marrow aspiration samples using flow cytometry (FC), it has been found to be valuable in the risk group stratification and follow-up of ALL. Recently, there have been discussions regarding the routine use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FC analysis for CNS leukemia at diagnosis and/or relapse in ALL protocols. Case Presentation: We present a case of ALL in which the CSF cytospin-based cytology analysis revealed no blasts, whereas the FC analysis of the CSF showed 1.6% blasts during the maintenance therapy. The patient developed an overt CNS relapse within 3 months. Conclusion: We would like to emphasize the importance of using more sensitive techniques to evaluate CNS involvement in patients with ALL.

Source: Case Reports in Oncology

DOI: 10.1159/000551123

Authors: Tülin Tiraje Celkan, Zafer Başlar, Rejin Kebudi, Hale Ören

Institutions: Istinye University, Liv Hospital, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul University, Dokuz Eylül University

Language: English

Topic: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,170