title: Harmonization of molecular monitoring of CML therapy in Europe.
abstract: The high efficacy of the standard treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with imatinib has prompted the need for accurate methods to monitor response at levels below the landmark of complete cytogenetic remission. Quantification of BCR-ABL transcripts has proven to be the most sensitive method available, and has shown prognostic impact with regard to progression-free survival. Until recently, variations in methods used to quantify BCR-ABL made it difficult to compare results between laboratories. An international program is now underway to harmonize the reporting of results according to an international scale (IS). In this review, we consider the background to the IS and the progress that has been made to date, with a particular focus on ongoing harmonization efforts in Europe. We provide recommendations for the propagation of the IS by national or regional laboratory networks.
authors.affiliation: III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: N C P
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Cross
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erben
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schenk
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hanfstein
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hehlmann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Branford
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saglio
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hochhaus
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D005060:Europe; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl