Abstract
In this chapter, selected molecular methods currently widely applied for the diagnostics and assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) are presented. At the time of diagnosis, the qualitative RT-PCR method is employed. It allows for the identification of the type of BCR-ABL fusion gene. During follow-up, the quantitative RQ-PCR analysis is used for monitoring the kinetics of changes in the BCR-ABL fusion gene expression level. The results of these analyses might indicate the need for therapy modification. In case of undetectable BCR-ABL fusion gene levels in RQ-PCR, a more sensitive approach, nested RT-PCR, might be performed. In case of lack or loss of molecular response, the assessment of mutational status of ABL kinase domain is required.
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Czekalska, S., Zawada, M., Florek, I. (2012). Assessment of the Presence and the Level of BCR-ABL Fusion Gene Expression and Mutational Status in ABL Kinase Domain. In: Witt, M., Dawidowska, M., Szczepanski, T. (eds) Molecular Aspects of Hematologic Malignancies. Principles and Practice. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29467-9_25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29467-9_25
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