Megakaryocyte in Peripheral Blood Smears – A Report of Two Cases

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a clonal hematopoietic stem-cell disorder, results from the proliferation of one or more hematopoietic series of cells like erythroid, granulocytic or megakaryocytic series. Megakaryocytes (MGK) are large polypoidal cells seen within bone marrow aspirate (BMA) smears. We are presenting here two cases of MGK in peripheral blood smears (PBS), one with MPN and the other in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with blast crisis. MGK in PBS is rare and is not always associated with neoplasm. It can be due to increased MGK differentiation due to reactive etiology

Flow Cytometer: The Need of Modern Hematology Laboratory

Indeed, laboratory diagnosis is rapidly changing from what it was in the past to the present. Nowadays, flow cytometer (FCM) has become a novel introduction to the modern diagnostic technique, mainly in the field of hematology. In case of acute leukemia, peripheral blood, bone marrow examination, cytochemistry and immunohistochemistry for differentiation of myeloid or lymphoid lineage is required, which is feasible by flow cytometry. It has dramatically improved the diagnostic efficiency and reduced the duration of sampling along with better diagnostic outcomes as well as provided efficient therapeutic monitoring of any drug or drug regimen. It has also opened some more sensitive therapeutic plans, like monitoring “Minimal residual disease (MRD)”, which is not possible without FCM. Detection of MRD has led to improved overall survival of patients. It has also opened up huge opportunities for research, which has become an important part of academic curriculum nowadays. Considering the importance and absolute necessity for better outcomes in hematology, the knowledge of basic principle of FCM becomes indispensable. Here, we try to elucidate the elementary components of this technique and also highlight its uses

Role of Human Epididymis Protein 4 in Tumour Angiogenesis

HE4 is a secretory protein. It is expressed in reproductive tract and respiratory epithelium in normal individuals. Serum level of HE4 is raised in various solid cancers that give us an advantage to use it as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It is an established biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer [EOC]. It has also shown the significance in various other malignancies like cancer of endometrium, cervix, lung and breast. Studies show HE4 as an independent prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Its raised values in cancer signify its role in oncogenesis. HE4 promotes angiogenesis via STAT3 signalling pathway. In this paper we have tried to illustrate about human epididymis protein 4 and its role in tumour angiogenesis