Serum CD44 in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

CD44 molecule is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in several cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. It has been linked to the growth and spread o f malignancies. The majority of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) express CD44 reflecting the CD44 expression of the normal lymphocytic counterparts. Cell surface CD44 has been suggested to be involved in hematogenous distributio n of NHL, and elevated levels of serum CD44 (s-CD44) have been detected in various malignant diseases. Circulating s-CD44 has been found to be functio nally active according to several functional studies. In patients with NHL increased s-CD44 levels have been detected at the time of diagnosis and at progression of the disease and s-CD44 levels change in parallel with respon se to therapy. Moreover, a high s-CD44 level at diagnosis is associated wit h a high tumor burden, poor response to treatment and unfavorable outcome i n NHL.