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Quantitative measurement of BCR/abl transcripts using real-time polymerase chain reaction
W I Lee1, H Kantarjian, A Glassman
1Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA. mslee@mdanderson.org
Summary
Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-Rt-PCR) accurately detects BCR/abl fusion transcripts in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This sensitive method aids in monitoring treatment response and assessing residual disease post-therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is often monitored using BCR/abl fusion transcript detection.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-Rt-PCR) is an emerging tool for this purpose.
- This study evaluates the specificity, sensitivity, and clinical utility of Q-Rt-PCR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the specificity and sensitivity of Q-Rt-PCR for BCR/abl fusion transcript detection in CML.
- To compare Q-Rt-PCR with conventional reverse transcription-mediated PCR (RT-PCR).
- To evaluate the clinical usefulness of Q-Rt-PCR in monitoring treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Performed parallel analysis of Q-Rt-PCR and RT-PCR on 567 samples from 481 CML patients.
- Monitored treatment response using Q-Rt-PCR at 6 and 12 months in patients treated with STI-571 or interferon.
- Correlated Q-Rt-PCR measurements with karyotyping results.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high concordance rate of 96.3% between Q-Rt-PCR and RT-PCR.
- Demonstrated excellent correlation between Q-Rt-PCR measurements and karyotyping (P < 0.001).
- Q-Rt-PCR showed STI-571 induced a better molecular response than interferon at 6 and 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Q-Rt-PCR provides reliable quantification of BCR/abl fusion transcripts.
- The method is valuable for assessing molecular residual disease after CML therapy.
- Q-Rt-PCR offers a sensitive and specific approach for CML management.