Genetic Profile, Treatment Response, and Outcomes of BCR::ABL1-Positive Mixed-Phenotype Acute Leukemia: A Study From

Qiudan Shen1, Xiaoyan Huang2, Xiaoqiong Wang3

  • 1Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Insights

This study characterizes rare BCR::ABL1-positive mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), revealing common RUNX1 mutations and complex karyotypes. Outcomes show an 86.8% remission rate, with complex karyotypes linked to poorer survival.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) with BCR::ABL1 fusion is a rare subtype with poorly defined characteristics.
  • Understanding its genetic landscape and relationship to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is crucial for treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively characterize the clinicopathologic features, genetic landscape, and outcomes of BCR::ABL1-positive MPAL.
  • To investigate the relationship between BCR::ABL1-positive MPAL and blast-phase CML.
  • To inform risk stratification and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Multicenter study of 44 patients with BCR::ABL1-positive MPAL.
  • Analysis of clinicopathologic data, cytogenetics (complex karyotypes), and somatic mutations (including RUNX1, DNMT3A, TET2, BCORL1, IKZF1, ETV6).
  • Evaluation of treatment response (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and patient outcomes (remission rates, overall survival).

Main Results:

  • 86.4% of cases were B/myeloid MPAL, with 72.7% showing lymphoid predominance.
  • 68.3% harbored somatic mutations, most commonly RUNX1 (46.3%), often co-occurring with AML-associated alterations.
  • Complex karyotypes were present in 40.9% and associated with inferior overall survival (OS).
  • Overall remission rate was 86.8%; median OS was 52.5 months.
  • No significant differences in outcomes were observed between patients with or without CML-like features.

Conclusions:

  • BCR::ABL1-positive MPAL exhibits distinct genetic features, notably RUNX1 mutations and complex karyotypes.
  • Treatment response and outcomes are influenced by factors like complex karyotypes, but not significantly by CML-like features.
  • This genomic and clinical characterization aids in improved risk stratification and future therapeutic development for this rare leukemia.