Application of polymerase chain reaction to detect activated oncogenes in hematological malignancies

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the structural change accompanying the activation of oncogenes in hematological malignancies and preleukemic states. Point mutation of N-ras oncogene was examined by oligonucleotide differential hybridization coupled with PCR. Five out of 17 AML patients were shown to have mutated N-ras gene. These mutations could be used as a genetic marker to diagnose the residual malignant cells. Philadelphia chromosome in CML was examined by cDNA synthesis and PCR with successful results. PCR was shown to be a highly versatile and sensitive method which would be invaluable in clinical diagnosis.