Single-tube multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis for the detection of bcl2-IgH chimeras.

The molecular background of follicular lymphoma is the formation of chimera(s) by the bcl2 gene and one of the immunoglobulin genes, mainly the heavy chain gene. While the diagnosis of follicular lymphoma is based on histological study, the histology cannot be recommended for the follow-up of efficiency of treatment(s). Sensitive detection of the chimera genes in blood or bone marrow samples can serve as informative data without invasive sampling.