title: Multiplex PCR of bcr-abl fusion transcripts in Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: We describe a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of bcr-abl fusion mRNA in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL). The assay provides a quick method for screening p190 (e1:a2) and p210 (b2:a2 or b3:a2) bcr-abl mRNAs simultaneously. The assay proves to be highly sensitive with detection of as little as one positive bcr-abl-expressing cell in a background of 10(5) negative bcr-abl cells. Bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens from six patients were in total accordance when run by multiplex PCR and by the single primer PCR approach. The multiplex bcr-abl assay may prove to be highly useful for screening newly diagnosed patients with ALL for the bcr-abl fusion transcript and in following the course of disease during therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98104-2015, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Edmands
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Radich
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002460:Cell Line; D017931:DNA Primers; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018922:HL-60 Cells; D006801:Humans; D004915:Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009857:Oncogenes; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000097:blood / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D017931:DNA Primers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl