FLT3 Internal Tandem Duplication and D835 Mutations in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and its Clinical Significance
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Published on: September 20, 2016
Ghaleb Elyamany1, Mohammed Awad2, Omar Alsuhaibani2
1Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute. ; Dept. of Central Military Laboratory, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene is a member of the class III receptor tyrosine kinase family. Mutations of FLT3 were first described in 1997 and account for the most frequent molecular mutations in acute myeloid leukemia. Currently, there is no published data on FLT3 mutations in Saudi acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. In this retrospective study, we have examined a cohort of 77 ALL patients to determine the prevalence of FLT3 mutations and the possible prognostic relevance of these mutations in ALL patients. Correlations to other biologic factors such as karyotype, molecular mutations, and leukocyte count were also considered. FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and point mutation in tyrosine kinase domain (D835) were analyzed in ALL patients, at diagnosis, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two cases (2.6%, 2/77) were positive for FLT3 mutations; one was found to have FLT3/ITD and the other FLT3/D835. Our findings suggest that FLT3 mutations are not common in Saudi ALL and do not affect clinical outcome.
Insights
FLT3 mutations are rare in Saudi acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, with only 2.6% testing positive. These FLT3 gene alterations did not appear to impact clinical outcomes in the studied ALL cohort.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene is a key receptor tyrosine kinase.
- FLT3 mutations are frequent in acute myeloid leukemia but understudied in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- No prior data existed on FLT3 mutations in Saudi ALL patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FLT3 mutations in Saudi ALL patients.
- To investigate the prognostic relevance of FLT3 mutations in ALL.
- To correlate FLT3 mutations with other biologic factors in ALL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 77 Saudi ALL patients.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to detect FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) and D835 point mutations.
- Analysis included correlations with karyotype, molecular mutations, and leukocyte count.
Main Results:
- FLT3 mutations were found in 2.6% (2/77) of Saudi ALL patients.
- One patient had FLT3/ITD, and the other had FLT3/D835.
- No significant impact of FLT3 mutations on clinical outcome was observed.
Conclusions:
- FLT3 mutations are uncommon in the Saudi ALL population.
- FLT3 mutation status does not appear to influence clinical outcomes in this cohort.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
