Cutting edge technologies in the evaluation of bone marrow samples.
OBJECTIVE
To review cutting edge technologies for evaluation of bone marrow samples.


METHODS
Professional literature and authors' experience.


RESULTS
Novel technologies for evaluating bone marrow specimens that have prognostic and therapeutic value in chronic and acute leukemia have been recently developed. Polymerase chain reaction-based assays that are useful in detecting chromosomal translocations in CML and AML are relevant to diagnosis and initial therapy. These assays can also be used to detect minimal residual disease after therapy and thus have prognostic value. In addition, a novel and elegant technique for determining leukemic cell resistance to chemotherapy agents (in vitro drug sensitivity) has prognostic and therapeutic value in AML. Use of these assays may lead to greater diagnostic precision, improved prognostication and more effective therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Cutting edge technologies that have utility in the evaluation of bone marrow specimens include polymerase chain reaction based assays for detecting specific chromosomal translocations, particularly useful in CML and AML, as well as in vitro drug sensitivity testing in AML.
Larson
R S
RS
Hematology Laboratory, University Hospital, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
McCurley
T L
TL
D000208:Acute Disease; D001856:Bone Marrow Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011379:Prognosis