Monitoring M-BCR-ABL expression level in CML patients by RQ-PCR: experience of a single Center.

UNLABELLED: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome and the BCR-ABL fusion gene that encodes an abnormal tyrosine kinase. Development of specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors completely changed the management of these patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Between April 2008 and July 2012, at the Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu Mures, Romania, we monitored the M-BCR-ABL transcript level by real time quantitative PCR in case of 15 CML patients diagnosed at the Hematology and Transplant Center of Targu Mures.

RESULTS

Modification of M-BCR-ABL expression level shows statistically significant correlation (p=0.013) with the clinical course of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular biology techniques have an important role in monitoring CML patients and regular analysis is recommended.