[Bcl-2/JH gene re-arrangement determined by PCR as a means to detect minimal residual disease in malignant lymphomas].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a sensitive method to detect minimal residual disease and to elucidate the significance of bcl-2 gene rearrangement in diagnosis and therapy of malignant lymphoma.


METHODS
Using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) to detect bcl-2 gene rearrangement and using serial dilution method to define the sensitivity of PCR.


RESULTS
In 9 different malignant lymphoma cell lines, Su-DHL-4 and Su-DHL-6 were shown bcl-2(MBR)/JH rearrangement, the sensitivity of PCR was 1:10(5). In 16 patients with follicular lymphoma, the peripheral blood and bone marrow were PCR positive in 4 both at initial diagnosis and after complete remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Detection of bcl-2 gene rearrangement by PCR provides a sensitive and specific assay of minimal residual disease. It helps improve staging of disease, stratification and evaluation of treatment.
Xiang
Z
Z
Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan.
Chen
Y
Y
Li
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D019254:Genes, bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008224:Lymphoma, Follicular / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction