Prognostic significance of an enhanced number of T lymphocytes in chronic lymphatic leukemia.

Analysis of lymphocytes carried out by means of rosette tests in 24 patients treated for chronic lymphatic leukemia established the origin of malignant cells to be from Blymphocyte population. On the basis of a reactive T lymphocyte proliferation in patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia, a "coefficient of active T lymphocytes" has been deduced which proved to be a rapid indicator of a short-term prognosis. This coefficient may contribute in a substantial measure towards an objectivation of the indication of a repeated oncostatic therapy in relatively light leukocytosis or in otherwise clinically unresolved cases.