Neutrophil and Eosinophil Prv-1 Expression in Atypical Myeloproliferative Disorders

Background: Neutrophil PRV-1 over-expression has been strongly associated with polycythemia vera (PV) and its quantitative measurement might complement the diagnostic distinction between PV and secondary polycythemia (Klippel et al. Blood 2003; 102:3569). Furthermore, the PV-specificity of the particular abnormality had been suggested by studies that demonstrated increased PRV-1 expression in post-polycythemic but not agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (Tefferi et al. Blood 2003; 103:3547) as well as by other studies that suggested the inevitable progression into PV of essential thrombocythemia (ET) associated with PRV-1 over-expression (Griesshammer et al. Ann Hematol 2004; 83:364). Still others have suggested the possibile utility of the particular assay in differentiating clonal from reactive myeloproliferation (Cilloni et al. Blood 2004; 103:2428).