Glucocorticoid receptors, clinical characteristics, and implications for prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The cytoplasmic glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) content was analyzed in peripheral leukocytes from 52 nonselected patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Forty-six patients had measurable GR levels. Six patients lacking measurable GR and seven of eight patients with a low GR content had inactive disease. However, there was no significant difference in average GR content between patients with progressive or nonprogressive disease. Twelve GR-positive patients were treated with prednisolone as the sole medication. Seven patients responded, some in several treatment sessions. There was no correlation between GR-content and clinical response. Thus, in our experience, cytoplasmic GR measurement has only limited predictive value.