[Importance of quantitative evaluation of BCR-ABL transcripts using real-time PCR for effective treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia].
BACKGROUND
Molecular biology methods based on reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are able to detect the presence of BCR-ABL transcripts in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this study we present our experience with monitoring of residual disease using real-time PCR with hybridization probes detection in patients treated with imatinib mesylate and in collected peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC).


RESULTS
We measured the level of BCR-ABL transcripts in peripheral blood cells of 27 subjects before and in the course of the imatinib treatment. The median of relative quantity of BCR-ABL in the blood before imatinib therapy was 2.55%. The number of the transcripts in 23 imatinib-sensitive subjects decreased to 0.02% in 6 months. After 12 months of the treatment the BCR-ABL median was 0.005%. Subsequent levels fluctuated between values below the detection limit (DL, 0.001%) and 0.005%. Three patients were primarily resistant to imatinib with the BCR-ABL range of 0.13%-11.7% during the treatment. One subject showed marks of molecular relapse after 18 months of the treatment. Only two of 16 filgrastim-stimulated patients had BCR-ABL levels in the blood and in collected PBPC below DL. In other subjects BCR-ABL transcripts were determined within the measurable range of RT-PCR.


CONCLUSIONS
Taking into account prognostic importance, the measurement of BCR-ABL transcripts is an effective approach to monitoring of residual CML kinetics. Evaluation of BCR-ABL levels in collected PBPC can complete information on quality of the cells in potential autotransplants, and choose subsequent therapeutic protocols and patient prognosis.
Beránek
M
M
Ustav klinické biochemie a diagnostiky LF UK a FN, Hradec Králové. beranek@lfhk.cuni.cz
Voglová
J
J
Sýkorová
A
A
Belada
D
D
Bláha
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl