Diagnostic utility of a multiplex RT-PCR assay in detecting fusion transcripts from recurrent genetic abnormalities of acute leukemia by WHO 2008 classification

Diagn Mol Pathol. 2012 Mar;21(1):40-4. doi: 10.1097/PDM.0b013e3182319ebe.

Abstract

Fusion transcripts (FT) from chromosomal rearrangements are key culprits in acute leukemia, with genotype-phenotype correlations including prognostic implications. Here, we report our experience of a commercially available platform utilizing multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), HemaVision, in 309 consecutive patients with acute leukemia. A total of 108 patients (35%) were diagnosed as having acute leukemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities by the World Health Organization 2008 classification. The multiplex RT-PCR platform, detected 12 different FT in 92 (85.2%; 92/108), with a 99% concordance rate with conventional cytogenetics/fluorescence in situ hybridization. Additional information obtained from the multiplex RT-PCR assay included transcript heterogeneity and novel splice variants of FT. In addition, the RT-PCR assay targeting specific FT could be used for monitoring minimal residual disease. HemaVision is a robust diagnostic platform in detecting FT in routine clinical laboratories both at initial diagnosis and for disease monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Female
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Infant
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Leukemia / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia / genetics*
  • Leukemia / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / genetics
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / metabolism
  • Myosins / genetics
  • Myosins / metabolism
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • World Health Organization
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • AFDN protein, human
  • KMT2A protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • Myosins
  • Kinesins