Abstract
Polyamines have been implicated to play a role in cell proliferation and in cancer development. Ninety percent of the circulating spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) are transported by red blood cells (RBC). RBC Spd and Spm levels were prospectively determined in 63 unselected children with common acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The Spm and Spd levels were not correlated with white blood cell (WBC) count. On the basis of the polyamine levels it was possible to discriminate four groups with P < 10−3. In C1, C2, C3 and C4 group the Spm level was respectively 90 (39–597), 3.75 (1–7.45), 9.95 (2.9–12.6) and 17(6.3–33.8). The probability of relapse-free survival (RFS) of the 58 children who entered complete remission was 55% ± 9. For the groups C1 (n = 6), C2 (n = 16), C3 (n = 21) and C4 (n = 15) groups, the RFS was 25% ± 20, 73% ± 12, 73% ± 13 and 32% ± 13 respectively. For children with Spm levels <13/⩾13 nmol/8 × 109 RBC, event-free survival (EFS) was 54% ± 11/33% ± 10 and RFS was 64% ± 12/38% ± 11 respectively (P < 0.03, P < 0.005). our clinical study shows clearly that an rbc spermine level could be used as parameter of prognosis at the time of diagnosis, particularly for patients with intermediary wbc count.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bergeron, C., Bansard, J., Le Moine, P. et al. Erythrocyte spermine levels: a prognostic parameter in childhood common acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 11, 31–36 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.leu.2400531
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.leu.2400531
- Springer Nature Limited
Keywords
We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.
Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.