Clinical Significance of BCR-ABL Fusion Gene in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients.

Introduction: The BCR-ABL fusion gene plays a central role in the pathogenesis of CML. The aim of the present study was to evaluate BCR-ABL fusion gene expression in CML patients and to correlate with clinical outcome. Method: A total of 112 CML patients were enrolled for the current study and expression of the BCR-ABL fusion gene was performed using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis of SPSS correlated the BCR-ABL gene copy number and ratio with distinct parameters. Result: We observed that BCR-ABL gene CN and ratio were significantly higher in adult CML patients as compared to childhood leukemia (p=0.02 and p=0.04, respectively). BCR-ABL CN and ratio were significantly increased in CML patients with leukocytosis (p=0.01 and p=0.008, respectively) and thrombocytosis (p=0.05 and p=0.008, respectively). Further, CN and ratio were compared with three prognostic scores; Sokal, Hasford and EUTOS score. BCR-ABL CN and ratio were higher in high risk category for Sokal and EUTOS (European Treatment and Outcome Study) scores. Conclusion: The current study strengthens clinical importance molecular response and prognosis of CML patients.