[Progress in molecular biology of leukemias--clinical implications]

The origin of leukemias like other forms of cancer, lies in gene defects that alter the normal programs of cellular differentiation, proliferation, or apoptosis. Many leukemia genes have been identified and molecularly characterized during the last decade. These studies have revealed some common genetic mechanisms for leukemogenesis, provided molecular tools for leukemia diagnosis and monitoring, and identified potential targets for a new generation of leukemia therapies.