An Analysis of 100 Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Kerbala, Iraq: A Comprehensive Immunophenotypic and Genetic Study

Abstract Purpose This study examines immunophenotypic markers (CD5, CD19, CD38, LAIR1) and genetic changes (17p, 11q, 13q deletions) in a group of CLL patients from Kerbala, Iraq. Flow cytometry using BD/FACS LYRICS and FISH was performed, and the results from the lab were compared to the clinical findings. Methods This retrospective study evaluated 100 treatment-naïve CLL patients diagnosed at Al-Mujtaba Hospital for Hematological Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed following the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) criteria, immunophenotypic confirmation via flow cytometry and an exclusion criteria: previous CLL-directed therapy, Richter's transformation, or coexisting hematologic malignancies. Results The most recent study found that 68% of patients had elevated LAIR1, which is linked to rapid disease progression (p < 0.001). Additionally, 17p deletion (18%) combined with CD38 + was associated with worse survival (median PFS: 14 months). A new high-risk profile was identified: CD38+/LAIR1+/17p del (3-year OS: 42%). Conclusion This study shows that LAIR1 and 17p deletion are crucial for predicting outcomes in Iraqi CLL patients.