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BCR-ABL1 Transcript Variants in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients in Africa: A Systematic Review
Martine Emeline Oloume1,2, Anatole Pieme3, Cedric Kekuine Ngalle4
1Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, Hematology, and Infectious Diseases Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Université de Yaoundé 1 Yaoundé Cameroon.
Health Science Reports
|July 16, 2026
Summary
The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, crucial for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) monitoring, shows e14a2 as the most common transcript in Africa. This study highlights a significant gap in molecular diagnostics across the continent.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is a hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), present in over 95% of cases.
- Identifying specific BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts is vital for effective CML treatment monitoring and management.
- Variations in BCR-ABL1 transcripts arise from different breakpoint locations during chromosomal translocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and distribution of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts in African populations.
- To analyze the prevalence of different BCR-ABL1 transcript types across various African countries.
- To investigate potential associations between BCR-ABL1 variants and patient demographics or hematological parameters.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of original articles was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, BioMed Central).
- The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
- Data extraction was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016, focusing on identified BCR-ABL1 transcripts in CML patients.
Main Results:
- Eight studies from seven African countries, involving 1258 CML patients, were analyzed.
- The most prevalent BCR-ABL1 transcripts were e14a2 (51.35%) and e13a2 (38.55%), with e14a2 being more common overall.
- Other transcripts (e19a2, e1a2, e13a3, e6a2) accounted for 1.74%; associations with hematological parameters were noted, particularly white blood cell and platelet counts.
Conclusions:
- BCR-ABL1 transcript analysis in Africa is limited, with e14a2 and e13a2 being the predominant types.
- The e14a2 transcript is generally more frequent than e13a2 in African CML patients.
- Significant disparities in molecular diagnostic capabilities for CML exist across Africa.