Multiplex RT-PCR assay for the detection of major fusion transcripts in Taiwanese children with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Der Cherng Liang, Lee Yung Shih, Chao Ping Yang, Iou Jih Hung, Shu Huey Chen, Tang Her Jaing, Hsi Che Liu, Wan Hui Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. The classification of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by specific chromosomal translocations may have prognostic implications. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is a useful tool for the detection of fusion transcript resulting from specific chromosomal translocation of the leukemic cells. In general, fusion transcripts are determined individually, a process which is labor intensive in order to detect all major fusion transcripts. Procedure. We use a multiplex RT-PCR assay to detect both the CML- and ALL-type BCR-ABL transcripts of the t(9;22), all described variants of the E2A-PBX1 transcripts of t(1;19), the MLL-AF4 transcripts of t(4;11), and all described variants of TEL-AML1 (also termed ETV6-CBFA2) of the cryptic t(12;21) in 165 leukemic samples at diagnosis. Results. The study yielded a completely concordant result with those obtained by the individual RT-PCR assay. In this cohort of Taiwan children, the relative frequencies of the four translocations of B-lineage ALL were as following: 6% with ALL-type t(9;22)/BCR-ABL, 7% t(1;19)/E2A-PBX1, 3% t(4;11)/MLL-AF4, and 18% t(12;21)/TEL-AML1, comparable to those in the Western countries. Conclusion. Multiplex RT-PCR assay is an efficient, sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic tool, which will likely improve our ability in accurately and rapidly risk-stratifying children with ALL.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-17
Number of pages6
JournalMedical and Pediatric Oncology
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • BCR-ABL
  • E2A-PBX1
  • MLL-AF4
  • Multiplex
  • RT-PCR
  • TEL-AML1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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