ASSOCIATION OF THE PRESENCE OF BCR-ABL1 GENE REARRANGEMENTS AND MYELOID ABERRANT ANTIGENS IN PRECURSOR B-ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (PRE-B-ALL) PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of the presence of BCR-ABL1 gene rearrangements and myeloid aberrant antigens in precursor B-ALL patients. Material and Methods: Both males and females, of all age groups, diagnosed with precursor B-ALL on flow cytometry were included in the study. BCR-ABL1 gene rearrangement was identified by performing Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using Vysis LSI BCR/ABL, Dual color, Dual fusion translocation probe set. The results were noted and compared with the results of flow cytometry. Results: Male patients were 36 (60%) and female patients were 24 (40%) out of total 60 patients. Median age was 22 years (range 1-73). BCR-ABL1 fusion gene was identified in 47 (78%) patients while 13 (22%) patients were negative for BCR-ABL1. Aberrant myeloid antigens were expressed in 24 (40%) patients and all of these patients were BCR-ABL1 positive. None of BCR-ABL1 negative patients expressed aberrant antigens. There was statistically significant association between BCR-ABL1 positivity and CD117 expression (P<0.05). Conclusion: Keywords: BCR-ABL1, Pre B-ALL, Myeloid aberrant antigens, Flow cytometry, FISH.