Objective: To define the relationship between Ph chromosome and BCR/ABL mRNA expression in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, and compare cytogenetic analysis and PCR method.
Methods: Marrow or peripheral blood samples from 33 CML patients were analyzed by R banding technique and PCR method. Eleven patients who received allogeneic BMT or alpha-IFN + low dose HU were followed up.
Results: In 33 patients, 29 were Ph(+), 30 expressed BCR/ABL mRNA. In 6 patients who received BMT, 4 were Ph(-), 2 were Ph(+). However, 2 patients were (-), 4 were (+) by PCR method. In 5 patients who received alpha-IFN, the percentage of Ph(+) cells reduced after 6 and 12 months treatment than before treatment in 2 cases respectively. In 41 samples, 34 cases were consistent by 2 methods.
Conclusion: Each method, Cytogenetic analysis or PCR has its advantage and defect. The better method are integration of 2 methods in diagnosis and treatment monitoring of CML patients, so that provide real and beneficial information for clinic.