[The clinical significance of minimal residual disease of acute leukemia with t(4;11) (q21;q23)].

Abstract

Hybrid fusion genes are specific tumor markers of several leukemic subtypes. The use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify chimeric cDNAs allows sensitive detection of the leukemia clone. The clinical relevance of minimal residual disease (MRD) remains controversial. In this report, an infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(4;11) (q21; q23) was analyzed after each treatment for the presence of MRD by RT-PCR amplification of the MLL/LTG4 fusion gene which became available recently. The patient soon achieved a hematological CR, after induction therapy, and underwent autologous BMT following consolidation chemotherapy for 9 months. However, he relapsed three months after the BMT. MRD was always detectable during his clinical course. These findings suggest that the detection of MRD of the MLL/LTG4 fusion transcript is a useful tool for monitoring MRD and selecting treatment.

• Authors: T Okamura, Y D Park, M Inoue, M Yasui, M Ueno, C Endo, K Yagi, K Kawa
• Journal: [Rinsho ketsueki] The Japanese journal of clinical hematology (Rinsho Ketsueki) Vol. 37 Issue 11 Pg. 1318-21 (Nov 1996) ISSN: 0485-1439 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 8960669 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11
• Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4
• Humans
• Male
• Neoplasm, Residual
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma (genetics)
• Translocation, Genetic