PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF DNA INDEX BY FLOW-CYTOMETRIC IN ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC-LEUKEMIA

DNA index (DI) is considered an important prognostic factor in acute l ymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We undertook this study to correlate DI with other presenting features and response to therapy. Of the 30 pati ents of ALL treated at our hospital and entered in this study, 15 were put on the aggressive MCP (multi center protocol) 841 protocol and eq ual number on the Alternate protocol. Eighteen achieved complete remis sion (13/15 on the former protocol and 5/15 on the later). DI was less than 0.8 in 8 (27%) patients, between 0.8 and 1.2 in 18 (60%) and mor e than 1.2 in 4 patients (13%). These figures are different from those reported in Caucasians. On multivariate regression analysis, the DI s ignificantly correlated with percentage of blasts in peripheral blood (P = 0.0035). There was no correlation with outcome or response to tre atment.