Introduction:

Acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage constitute a heterogeneous group of acute leukemias that do not show clear evidence of differentiation along cell lineage. The definitive diagnosis is made exclusively based on immunophenotypic characteristics, with the use of multiparametric flow cytometry.

Objective:

To update the diagnostic criteria, classification, as well as the clinical and therapeutic management of acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage.

Methods:

A search for scientific information related to the subject was carried out in clinical hematology textbooks and in articles published through PUBMED in the last ten years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was carried out.

Information analysis and synthesis:

The morphological characteristics of the leukemic cells from patients with acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage do not show uniformity. Blasts of different sizes and stages of maturation can be found simultaneously. These may appear as lymphoid, myeloid, undifferentiated, or mixed.

Conclusion:

Acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage constitute a high-risk subgroup, with unfavorable prognosis and poor overall patient survival. Its timely report is essential to gather criteria for making therapeutic decisions in this group of patients.

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