Biphenotypic acute leukaemia: a case series

Biphenotypic acute leukaemia (BAL) is a rare type of leukaemia. Whether patients with BAL should be treated with regimens designed for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) or both remain unclear. We have reviewed the clinical data for 31 BAL patients. Most patients co-expressed B-lymphoid and myeloid markers. No specific chromosomal abnormality was identified. The majority of the patients were treated with regimens devised for treating ALL. Seven patients were treated with regimens designed for AML. Complete remission (CR) rates of 78% and 57% were noted respectively. The overall survival probability at 2 years was 60%.