What is the Difference Between B Cell and T Cell Leukemia?

The main difference between B cell and T cell leukemia lies in the type of immune cells they arise from and their functions in the immune system. Both B cell and T cell leukemia are subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes.

B cell leukemia:

• Originates in immature cells that would normally develop into B cell lymphocytes.
• B cells produce antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses.
• More common in adults, representing 75% of cases.

T cell leukemia:

• Originates in immature cells that would normally develop into T cell lymphocytes.
• T cells attack other cells in the body that have become cancerous or infected by viruses.
• Less common, representing about 25% of cases among adults.

Both B and T cell leukemia subtypes have different genetic features, which are important for determining the best treatment options and risk stratification. Although similar chemotherapy regimens are used to treat both B and T cell leukemia, T cell leukemia generally has a worse prognosis than B cell leukemia. However, with recent advances in therapy, event-free survival rates for T cell leukemia have steadily improved and now exceed 85% in many contemporary treatment cohorts.

Comparative Table: B Cell vs T Cell Leukemia

B cell leukemia and T cell leukemia are both types of lymphoid leukemias that affect blood-producing cells. The key difference between them lies in the cells they affect: B cell leukemia affects B cells, while T cell leukemia affects T cells. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences and similarities between B cell and T cell leukemia:

Both B cell and T cell leukemia share some similarities, such as being lymphoid leukemias related to lymphomas of lymphocytes and being caused by DNA mutations in blood-producing cells. They also affect both children and adults and can be treated through chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants.