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

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
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. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:12–17.