At this time we lack tools to predict which MBL cases will progress to CLL. In small series, surface expression of CD38 has been correlated with the future need for therapy in two (19, 27) of three studies.(18) Some (IGHV genes mutations, CD49d, FISH) but not all (ZAP-70, beta-2 microglobulin) prognostic parameters used to predict TFS in CLL were also reported to be useful prognostic parameter for clinical MBL patients in one small series.(27) Currently, there is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend such prognostic testing for individuals with MBL outside of investigational protocols.
