INTEGRIN VLA-5 NEGATIVE PRIMARY PLASMA-CELL LEUKEMIA

We present a case of primary plasma cell leukemia with Bence Jones pro teinuria. After combination chemotherapy, leukemic cells and the urina ry levels Bence Jones protein were decreased. Small lytic bone lesions were detected only in the skull. Typical plasma cells were rarely see n in peripheral blood on the hyperleukocytic phase, however they were increased in the advanced stages. The most important diagnostic sign w as persistent expression of CD38 antigen on leukemic cells throughout the entire course of the illness and these leukemic cells expressed ve ry late antigen-4 (VLA-4) but not VLA-5.