Frequency of the minor BCR-ABL (e1;a2) transcript oncogene in a Mexican population with adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Abstract

Background: The minor BCR-ABL (e1;a2) transcript oncogene is the most common genetic alteration in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It is associated with a poor prognosis. Aim: To determine the frequency of minor BCR-ABL (e1;a2) transcript oncogene expression in ALL patients in Mexico. Material and methods: A cohort of 411 patients with de novo ALL were tested for the oncogene using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The oncogene was found in 14% (n = 57) of the study population. Mean age was 29 years, and 53% were male. Median leucocyte count was 53 × 103 μl. Conclusion: Prevalence of BCR-ABL expression by RT-PCR has not previously been reported in Mexico. Our laboratory found a higher prevalence than that reported in Latin-American series, but lower than that reported for the European population.

Keywords

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
• Philadelphia chromosome
• BCR-ABL oncogene