Early assessment of endocan level as a predictor of remission status in acute leukemia patients

Abstract Background Endocan is primarily presented as a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that is expressed in endothelial cells, as well as in serum and plasma. In acute leukemia patients, disease status was found to correlate with endocan levels as it was strongly expressed in untreated patients but decreased after chemotherapy. Furthermore, endocan levels were sensitive to recurrence, as indicated by an increase in levels during relapse. Notably, no significant change in endocan levels was observed before and after chemotherapy in patients who did not achieve remission. Subjects and Methods Our research team conducted a prospective study at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Clinical Hematology, and Stem Cell Transplant Unit. This study included 45 patients diagnosed with de novo acute leukemia. Endocan levels were measured before and at day 28 after chemotherapy induction. Results A high significant statistical correlation was found between the initial and post-induction endocan levels, with higher initial values observed. A nearly significant correlation existed between the initial endocan levels in responders and non-responders (AML) patients, with non-responder patients showing higher values. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between initial endocan and both lactate dehydrogenase and the initial bone marrow evaluation. Conclusion Pre-induction endocan levels are significantly elevated in acute leukemia patients compared to post-induction levels, showing a near significant correlation with remission status in AML, but there was no significant correlation in ALL patients. Endocan level has a potential prognostic significance in acute leukemia.