[Immunologic prognosis in hemoblastoses in children].

The diagnostic value of monoclonal antibodies is discussed. The expression of ICO-GM1 and ICO-G2 myeloid antigens in pediatric patients with nonlymphoblastic leukemia was associated with poor prognosis whereas patients with the expression of T-cell markers fared better. The prognostic value of the antigens was not altered by brief cytotoxic treatment. The prognosis for non-T-cell ICO-II+ type childhood lymphosarcoma was worse as compared to Ia+ICO-II- lymphoma subset. It was concluded that the biology of malignant cells and degree of cell differentiation (as assessed immunologically) affects treatment outcome significantly and should be considered in individualizing therapy for childhood lymphosarcoma and leukemia.