The limit of detection of immunological tests is generally about 1 in 10, 000 cells and cannot be used on leukaemias that don t have an identifiable and stable leukaemic phenotype.
12.
These tests are very specific, and detect leukaemic cells at levels down to one cell in a million, though the limit typically achieved is 1 in 10, 000 to 1 in 100, 000 cells.
13.
White blood cells ( WBC ) can show a variety of proteins on the surface depending upon the type of WBC . Leukaemic cells often show quite unusual and unique combinations ( leukemic phenotype ) of these cell surface proteins.
14.
Starting treatment early might be useful : the patient will be healthier; fewer leukaemic cells to deal with; the cells may be amenable to treatment, since at clinical relapse they have often become more resistant to drugs used.
15.
The presence of TK allows for retention of immune protection and anti-leukaemic effects of donor T lymphocytes and at the same time to control and annul possible harmful reactions between these lymphocytes and healthy tissues of the patient, reaction known as graft-versus-host disease ( GvDH ).
16.
"' Minimal residual disease "'( MRD ) is the name given to small numbers of leukaemic cells ( cancer cells from the bone marrow ) that remain in the patient during treatment, or after treatment when the patient is in remission ( no symptoms or signs of disease ).
