Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: a single center experience

This study aimed to analyze the frequency of peripheral Mo-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSCs) in newly diagnosed CLL patients and to correlate their level with other prognostic factors such as frequency of CD38 cells and ZAP-70 cells and with the clinical response and survival outcomes in these patients. Fifty CLL patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Flow cytometric detection of ZAP 70, CD38, and Mo-MDSCs was done. Mo-MDSC levels wer significantly higher in CLL patients (27.51 +/- 1.70) than healthy controls (16.79 +/- 0.66; p < .0001). Higher levels of Mo-MDSCs were detected in advanced Rai clinical staging than Stage I. Mo-MDSCs level was significantly correlated with the frequency of CD38 (r = 0.505; p < .0001) and ZAP-70 cells (r = 0.421; p < .0001). Higher levels of Mo-MDSCs predict poor survival in CLL patients with Mo-MDSCs levels <25% (n = 21) versus >25% (n = 29; log - Rank test, p < .0001). In conclusion, Mo-MDSCs are correlated with tumor progression and a poor prognosis in CLL.