Constant BCR-ABL transcript level >or=0.1% (IS) in patients with CML responding to imatinib with complete cytogenetic remission may indicate mutation analysis.
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2010 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Experimental hematology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Oncology and hematology |
| Keywords | BCR-ABL; CML; imatinib |
| Description | OBJECTIVE: Of 140 chronic myeloid leukemia patients responding to imatinib with complete cytogenetic remission, 32 exhibited a plateau of BCR-ABL values at >or=0.1% level in a minimum of three subsequent samples (minimal duration, 6 - 9 months). Median follow-up of unchanged BCR-ABL transcript level was 12 months (range, 6 - 64). We tested this group of patient for BCR-ABL mutations to reveal resistance development and to evaluate the risk of disease progression. RESULTS: Mutation was detected by direct sequencing in 9 of 32 patients (28%). Loss of complete cytogenetic remission or 1 log rise of BCR-ABL was observed in five of nine patients at a median of 5 months (range, 4-17) since first detection of mutation. One patient with no mutation relapsed 12 months after the start of the BCR-ABL plateau. In 5 of 32 patients without mutation (16%), BCR-ABL level significantly decreased after the first plateau to levels that stayed unchanged for a median of 11 months (range, 7-28). |