Use of specific antisera against leukemia-associated antigens in the diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A series of 66 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis were investigated (simultaneously) for various surface markers. For this purpose the reaction of specific antisera against ALL antigens and T cell antigens was analysed in every case by several test systems, namely immunofluorescence, microcytotoxicity and complement fixation. A clearly defined classification in 6 subgroups of ALL emerged. The clinical data at presentation and possible correlations with the immunological subgroups were demonstrated.