Detection Of Bcr/abl Fusion Gene In CML By The Nested RT-PCR

Objective: To evaluate the value of the Philadelphia chromosome and bcr/abl fusion gene in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Methods: Using the nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the bcr/abl fusion gene was detected in 46 CML patients. Philadelphia chromosome was detected in 28 of these patients by cytogenetic study. Results: bcr/abl fusion gene was detected in 44 of 46 patients (95.7%) by the nested RT-PCR, two types of bcr/abl mRNA were found in CML patients. Philadelphia chromosome was detected in 26 of 28 patients (92.9%) by cytogenetic study. In the two patients with Philadelphia chromosome negative, bcr/abl fusion gene was detected by the nested RT-PCR. The sensitivity of nested RT-PCR was 1:106. Conclusion: 1. The molecular hallmark of CML was bcr/abl fusion gene. 2. Minimal residual disease in CML could be detected by the nested RT-PCR. 3. Nested RT-PCR could give the prove of molecular biology to some of CML patients with Philadelphia chromosome negative. 4. Cytogenetic study or nested RT-PCR has its advantage and disadvantage. The better method is intergration of two methods. 5. Additional studies were needed to evalaute the value of two types of bcr/abl mRNA.