Which of the following markers indicates the presence of leukemic cells?

The presence of leukemic cells can be indicated by various markers, and CD45 is one of the key markers utilized in the diagnostic process. CD45, also known as the leukocyte common antigen (LCA), is expressed on all leukocytes, including both normal and neoplastic (cancerous) white blood cells. In cases of leukemia, the expression pattern of CD45 can change depending on the subtypes of leukemia, and these alterations can aid in distinguishing leukemic cells from normal hematopoietic cells.

For example, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), specific abnormalities in the expression of CD45 can help identify the malignancy and provide crucial information for diagnosis and treatment planning. The assessment of CD45 together with other markers is essential in creating a comprehensive profile of the leukemic cells.

In contrast, while other markers such as CD8, CD3, and CD19 are associated with various types of lymphocytes and can indicate their presence, they do not specifically identify leukemic cells directly. CD8 is primarily a marker for cytotoxic T cells, CD3 is associated with T cell receptor complexes, and CD19 is a pan-B cell marker. The leukemic process may involve