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Contains fulltext : 229392.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)

Complex karyotype (CK) identified by chromosome-banding analysis (CBA) has shown prognostic value in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Genomic arrays offer high-resolution genome-wide detection of copy-number alterations (CNAs) and could therefore be well equipped to detect the presence of a CK. Current knowledge on genomic arrays in CLL is based on outcomes of single center studies, in which different cutoffs for CNA calling were used. To further determine the clinical utility of genomic arrays for CNA assessment in CLL diagnostics, we retrospectively analyzed 2293 arrays from 13 diagnostic laboratories according to established standards. CNAs were found outside regions captured by CLL FISH probes in 34% of patients, and several of them including gains of 8q, deletions of 9p and 18p (p<0.01) were linked to poor outcome after correction for multiple testing. Patients (n=972) could be divided in three distinct prognostic subgroups based on the number of CNAs. Only high genomic complexity (high-GC), defined as ≥5 CNAs emerged as an independent adverse prognosticator on multivariable analysis for time to first treatment (Hazard ratio: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.36-3.41; p=0.001) and overall survival (Hazard ratio: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54-4.17; p<0.001; n=528). Lowering the size cutoff to 1 Mb in 647 patients did not significantly improve risk assessment. Genomic arrays detected more chromosomal abnormalities and performed at least as well in terms of risk stratification compared to simultaneous chromosome banding analysis as determined in 122 patients. Our findings highlight genomic array as an accurate tool for CLL risk stratification.

Contains fulltext : 229392.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)

Contains fulltext : 229392.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is a cytogenetic subtype associated with relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). The biology behind the high relapse risk is unknown and the aim of this study was to further characterize the genomic and transcriptional landscape of iAMP21. Using DNA arrays and sequencing, we could identify rearrangements and aberrations characteristic for iAMP21. RNA sequencing revealed that only half of the genes in the minimal region of amplification (20/45) were differentially expressed in iAMP21. Among them were the top overexpressed genes (p < 0.001) in iAMP21 vs. BCP ALL without iAMP21 and three candidate genes could be identified, the tyrosine kinase gene DYRK1A and chromatin remodeling genes CHAF1B and SON. While overexpression of DYRK1A and CHAF1B is associated with poor prognosis in malignant diseases including myeloid leukemia, this is the first study to show significant correlation with iAMP21-positive ALL.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is a cytogenetic subtype associated with relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). The biology behind the high relapse risk is unknown and the aim of this study was to further characterize the genomic and transcriptional landscape of iAMP21. Using DNA arrays and sequencing, we could identify rearrangements and aberrations characteristic for iAMP21. RNA sequencing revealed that only half of the genes in the minimal region of amplification (20/45) were differentially expressed in iAMP21. Among them were the top overexpressed genes (p < 0.001) in iAMP21 vs. BCP ALL without iAMP21 and three candidate genes could be identified, the tyrosine kinase gene DYRK1A and chromatin remodeling genes CHAF1B and SON. While overexpression of DYRK1A and CHAF1B is associated with poor prognosis in malignant diseases including myeloid leukemia, this is the first study to show significant correlation with iAMP21-positive ALL.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is a cytogenetic subtype associated with relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). The biology behind the high relapse risk is unknown and the aim of this study was to further characterize the genomic and transcriptional landscape of iAMP21. Using DNA arrays and sequencing, we could identify rearrangements and aberrations characteristic for iAMP21. RNA sequencing revealed that only half of the genes in the minimal region of amplification (20/45) were differentially expressed in iAMP21. Among them were the top overexpressed genes (p < 0.001) in iAMP21 vs. BCP ALL without iAMP21 and three candidate genes could be identified, the tyrosine kinase gene DYRK1A and chromatin remodeling genes CHAF1B and SON. While overexpression of DYRK1A and CHAF1B is associated with poor prognosis in malignant diseases including myeloid leukemia, this is the first study to show significant correlation with iAMP21-positive ALL.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is a cytogenetic subtype associated with relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). The biology behind the high relapse risk is unknown and the aim of this study was to further characterize the genomic and transcriptional landscape of iAMP21. Using DNA arrays and sequencing, we could identify rearrangements and aberrations characteristic for iAMP21. RNA sequencing revealed that only half of the genes in the minimal region of amplification (20/45) were differentially expressed in iAMP21. Among them were the top overexpressed genes (p < 0.001) in iAMP21 vs. BCP ALL without iAMP21 and three candidate genes could be identified, the tyrosine kinase gene DYRK1A and chromatin remodeling genes CHAF1B and SON. While overexpression of DYRK1A and CHAF1B is associated with poor prognosis in malignant diseases including myeloid leukemia, this is the first study to show significant correlation with iAMP21-positive ALL.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) is a cytogenetic subtype associated with relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). The biology behind the high relapse risk is unknown and the aim of this study was to further characterize the genomic and transcriptional landscape of iAMP21. Using DNA arrays and sequencing, we could identify rearrangements and aberrations characteristic for iAMP21. RNA sequencing revealed that only half of the genes in the minimal region of amplification (20/45) were differentially expressed in iAMP21. Among them were the top overexpressed genes (p < 0.001) in iAMP21 vs. BCP ALL without iAMP21 and three candidate genes could be identified, the tyrosine kinase gene DYRK1A and chromatin remodeling genes CHAF1B and SON. While overexpression of DYRK1A and CHAF1B is associated with poor prognosis in malignant diseases including myeloid leukemia, this is the first study to show significant correlation with iAMP21-positive ALL.

Contains fulltext : 204641.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), Genetic abnormalities provide vital diagnostic and prognostic information in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are increasingly used to assign patients to risk groups. We recently proposed a novel classifier based on the copy-number alteration (CNA) profile of the 8 most commonly deleted genes in B-cell precursor ALL. This classifier defined 3 CNA subgroups in consecutive UK trials and was able to discriminate patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics. In this study, we sought to validate the United Kingdom ALL (UKALL)-CNA classifier and reevaluate the interaction with cytogenetic risk groups using individual patient data from 3239 cases collected from 12 groups within the International BFM Study Group. The classifier was validated and defined 3 risk groups with distinct event-free survival (EFS) rates: good (88%), intermediate (76%), and poor (68%) (P < .001). There was no evidence of heterogeneity, even within trials that used minimal residual disease to guide therapy. By integrating CNA and cytogenetic data, we replicated our original key observation that patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics can be stratified into 2 prognostic subgroups. Group A had an EFS rate of 86% (similar to patients with good-risk cytogenetics), while group B patients had a significantly inferior rate (73%, P < .001). Finally, we revised the overall genetic classification by defining 4 risk groups with distinct EFS rates: very good (91%), good (81%), intermediate (73%), and poor (54%), P < .001. In conclusion, the UKALL-CNA classifier is a robust prognostic tool that can be deployed in different trial settings and used to refine established cytogenetic risk groups.

Contains fulltext : 204641.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), Genetic abnormalities provide vital diagnostic and prognostic information in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are increasingly used to assign patients to risk groups. We recently proposed a novel classifier based on the copy-number alteration (CNA) profile of the 8 most commonly deleted genes in B-cell precursor ALL. This classifier defined 3 CNA subgroups in consecutive UK trials and was able to discriminate patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics. In this study, we sought to validate the United Kingdom ALL (UKALL)-CNA classifier and reevaluate the interaction with cytogenetic risk groups using individual patient data from 3239 cases collected from 12 groups within the International BFM Study Group. The classifier was validated and defined 3 risk groups with distinct event-free survival (EFS) rates: good (88%), intermediate (76%), and poor (68%) (P < .001). There was no evidence of heterogeneity, even within trials that used minimal residual disease to guide therapy. By integrating CNA and cytogenetic data, we replicated our original key observation that patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics can be stratified into 2 prognostic subgroups. Group A had an EFS rate of 86% (similar to patients with good-risk cytogenetics), while group B patients had a significantly inferior rate (73%, P < .001). Finally, we revised the overall genetic classification by defining 4 risk groups with distinct EFS rates: very good (91%), good (81%), intermediate (73%), and poor (54%), P < .001. In conclusion, the UKALL-CNA classifier is a robust prognostic tool that can be deployed in different trial settings and used to refine established cytogenetic risk groups.

Intragenic PAX5 amplification defines a novel, relapse-prone subtype of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a poor outcome

Intragenic PAX5 amplification defines a novel, relapse-prone subtype of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a poor outcome

Detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) has proven to provide independent prognostic information for treatment stratification in several types of leukemias such as childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute promyelocytc leukemia. This report focuses on the accurate quantitative measurement of fusion gene (FG) transcripts as can be applied in 35-45% of ALL and acute myeliod leukemia, and in more than 90% of CML. A total of 26 European university laboratories from 10 countries have collaborated to establish a standardized protocol for TaqMan-based real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) analysis of the main leukemia-associated FGs within the Europe Against Cancer (EAC) program. Four phases were scheduled: (1) training, (2) optimization, (3) sensitivity testing and (4) patient sample testing. During our program, three quality control rounds on a large series of coded RNA samples were performed including a balanced randomized assay, which enabled final validation of the EAC primer and probe sets. The expression level of the nine major FG transcripts in a large series of stored diagnostic leukemia samples (n=278) was evaluated. After normalization, no statistically significant difference in expression level was observed between bone marrow and peripheral blood on paired samples at diagnosis. However, RQ-PCR revealed marked differences in FG expression between transcripts in leukemic samples at diagnosis that could account for differential assay sensitivity. The development of standardized protocols for RQ-PCR analysis of FG transcripts provides a milestone for molecular determination of MRD levels. This is likely to prove invaluable to the management of patients entered into multi-center therapeutic trials.

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08 +/- 0.13 x 10(6), 1.08 +/- 0.11 x 10(5), 1.03 +/- 0.10 x 10(4), 1.02 +/- 0.09 x 10(3), 1.04 +/- 0.10 x 10(2) and 10.0 +/- 1.5 copies/mu l. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/;CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors has advanced to a stage where many patients achieve very low or undetectable levels of disease. Remarkably, some of these patients remain in sustained remission when treatment is withdrawn, suggesting that they may be at least operationally cured of their disease. Accurate definition of deep molecular responses (MRs) is therefore increasingly important for optimal patient management and comparison of independent data sets. We previously published proposals for broad standardized definitions of MR at different levels of sensitivity. Here we present detailed laboratory recommendations, developed as part of the European Treatment and Outcome Study for CML (EUTOS), to enable testing laboratories to score MR in a reproducible manner for CML patients expressing the most common BCR-ABL1 variants.Leukemia advance online publication, 27 February 2015; doi:10.1038/leu.2015.29.

Recently, IKZF1 deletions have been shown to be associated notonly with the leukemogenic process but also to confer a poor prognosis in allrisk groups of B-cell precursor ALL. In a previous study, we used Multiplex Ligation-dependentProbe Amplification (MLPA) to investigate the presence ofIKZF1 deletions in bone marrow DNA from 116 children diagnosed with BCPALL in a single center and treated according to NOPHO protocols. Deletionswere detected in 16% of cases; both event free survival and overall survivalwere significantly reduced in the IKZF1-deleted group compared to the groupwith intact IKZF1.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem cells appear resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in vitro, but their impact and drug sensitivity in vivo has not been systematically assessed. We prospectively analyzed the proportion of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemic stem cells (LSCs, Ph+CD34+CD38=) and progenitor cells (LPCs, Ph+CD34+CD38+) from 46 newly diagnosed CML patients both at the diagnosis and during imatinib or dasatinib therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00852566). At diagnosis, the proportion of LSCs varied markedly (1-100%) between individual patients with a significantly lower median value as compared with LPCs (79% vs 96%, respectively, P = 0.0001). The LSC burden correlated with leukocyte count, spleen size, hemoglobin and blast percentage. A low initial LSC percentage was associated with less therapy-related hematological toxicity and superior cytogenetic and molecular responses. After initiation of TKI therapy, the LPCs and LSCs rapidly decreased in both therapy groups, but at 3 months time point the median LPC level was significantly lower in dasatinib group compared with imatinib patients (0.05% vs 0.68%, P = 0.032). These data detail for the first time the prognostic significance of the LSC burden at diagnosis and show that in contrast to in vitro data, TKI therapy rapidly eradicates the majority of LSCs in patients., QC 20170419

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem cells appear resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in vitro, but their impact and drug sensitivity in vivo has not been systematically assessed. We prospectively analyzed the proportion of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemic stem cells (LSCs, Ph+CD34+CD38=) and progenitor cells (LPCs, Ph+CD34+CD38+) from 46 newly diagnosed CML patients both at the diagnosis and during imatinib or dasatinib therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00852566). At diagnosis, the proportion of LSCs varied markedly (1-100%) between individual patients with a significantly lower median value as compared with LPCs (79% vs 96%, respectively, P = 0.0001). The LSC burden correlated with leukocyte count, spleen size, hemoglobin and blast percentage. A low initial LSC percentage was associated with less therapy-related hematological toxicity and superior cytogenetic and molecular responses. After initiation of TKI therapy, the LPCs and LSCs rapidly decreased in both therapy groups, but at 3 months time point the median LPC level was significantly lower in dasatinib group compared with imatinib patients (0.05% vs 0.68%, P = 0.032). These data detail for the first time the prognostic significance of the LSC burden at diagnosis and show that in contrast to in vitro data, TKI therapy rapidly eradicates the majority of LSCs in patients.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem cells appear resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in vitro, but their impact and drug sensitivity in vivo has not been systematically assessed. We prospectively analyzed the proportion of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemic stem cells (LSCs, Ph+CD34+CD38=) and progenitor cells (LPCs, Ph+CD34+CD38+) from 46 newly diagnosed CML patients both at the diagnosis and during imatinib or dasatinib therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00852566). At diagnosis, the proportion of LSCs varied markedly (1-100%) between individual patients with a significantly lower median value as compared with LPCs (79% vs 96%, respectively, P = 0.0001). The LSC burden correlated with leukocyte count, spleen size, hemoglobin and blast percentage. A low initial LSC percentage was associated with less therapy-related hematological toxicity and superior cytogenetic and molecular responses. After initiation of TKI therapy, the LPCs and LSCs rapidly decreased in both therapy groups, but at 3 months time point the median LPC level was significantly lower in dasatinib group compared with imatinib patients (0.05% vs 0.68%, P = 0.032). These data detail for the first time the prognostic significance of the LSC burden at diagnosis and show that in contrast to in vitro data, TKI therapy rapidly eradicates the majority of LSCs in patients.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is becoming an increasingly important approach to treatment of different malignant and non-malignant disorders. There is thus growing demand for diagnostic assays permitting the surveillance of donor/recipient chimerism posttransplant. Current techniques are heterogeneous, rendering uniform evaluation and comparison of diagnostic results between centers difficult. Leading laboratories from 10 European countries have therefore performed a collaborative study supported by a European grant, the EuroChimerism Concerted Action, with the aim to develop a standardized diagnostic methodology for the detection and monitoring of chimerism in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Following extensive analysis of a large set of microsatellite/short tandem repeat (STR) loci, the EuroChimerism (EUC) panel comprising 13 STR markers was established with the aim to optimally meet the specific requirements of quantitative chimerism analysis. Based on highly stringent selection criteria, the EUC panel provides multiple informative markers in any transplant setting. The standardized STR-PCR tests permit detection of donor-or recipient-derived cells at a sensitivity ranging between 0.8 and 1.6%. Moreover, the EUC assay facilitates accurate and reproducible quantification of donor and recipient hematopoietic cells. Wide use of the European-harmonized protocol for chimerism analysis presented will provide a basis for optimal diagnostic support and timely treatment decisions.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is becoming an increasingly important approach to treatment of different malignant and non-malignant disorders. There is thus growing demand for diagnostic assays permitting the surveillance of donor/recipient chimerism posttransplant. Current techniques are heterogeneous, rendering uniform evaluation and comparison of diagnostic results between centers difficult. Leading laboratories from 10 European countries have therefore performed a collaborative study supported by a European grant, the EuroChimerism Concerted Action, with the aim to develop a standardized diagnostic methodology for the detection and monitoring of chimerism in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Following extensive analysis of a large set of microsatellite/short tandem repeat (STR) loci, the EuroChimerism (EUC) panel comprising 13 STR markers was established with the aim to optimally meet the specific requirements of quantitative chimerism analysis. Based on highly stringent selection criteria, the EUC panel provides multiple informative markers in any transplant setting. The standardized STR-PCR tests permit detection of donor-or recipient-derived cells at a sensitivity ranging between 0.8 and 1.6%. Moreover, the EUC assay facilitates accurate and reproducible quantification of donor and recipient hematopoietic cells. Wide use of the European-harmonized protocol for chimerism analysis presented will provide a basis for optimal diagnostic support and timely treatment decisions. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited.

The dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2) is reported to be present in similar to 2% of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). However, it easily escapes detection by G-banding analysis and its true prevalence is hence unknown. We performed interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses-in a three-step manner-using probes for: (i) CDKN2A at 9p21, (ii) 20p and 20q subtelomeres and (iii) cen9 and cen20. Out of 1033 BCP ALLs diagnosed from 2001 to 2006, 533 were analyzed; 16% (84/533) displayed 9p21 deletions, of which 30% (25/84) had dic(9;20). Thus, dic(9;20)-positivity was found in 4.7% (25/533), making it the third most common genetic subgroup after high hyperdiploidy and t(12;21)(p13;q22). The dic(9;20) was associated with a female predominance and an age peak at 3 years; 18/25 (72%) were allocated to non-standard risk treatment at diagnosis. Including cases detected by G-banding alone, 29 dic(9;20)-positive cases were treated according to the NOPHO ALL 2000 protocol. Relapses occurred in 24% (7/29) resulting in a 5-year event-free survival of 0.69, which was significantly worse than for t(12;21) (0.87; P = 0.002) and high hyperdiploidy (0.82; P = 0.04). We conclude that dic(9;20) is twice as common as previously surmised, with many cases going undetected by G-banding analysis, and that dic(9;20) should be considered a non-standard risk abnormality.

The dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2) is reported to be present in ∼2% of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL). However, it easily escapes detection by G-banding analysis and its true prevalence is hence unknown. We performed interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses-in a three-step manner-using probes for: (i) CDKN2A at 9p21, (ii) 20p and 20q subtelomeres and (iii) cen9 and cen20. Out of 1033 BCP ALLs diagnosed from 2001 to 2006, 533 were analyzed; 16% (84/533) displayed 9p21 deletions, of which 30% (25/84) had dic(9;20). Thus, dic(9;20)-positivity was found in 4.7% (25/533), making it the third most common genetic subgroup after high hyperdiploidy and t(12;21)(p13;q22). The dic(9;20) was associated with a female predominance and an age peak at 3 years; 18/25 (72%) were allocated to non-standard risk treatment at diagnosis. Including cases detected by G-banding alone, 29 dic(9;20)-positive cases were treated according to the NOPHO ALL 2000 protocol. Relapses occurred in 24% (7/29) resulting in a 5-year event-free survival of 0.69, which was significantly worse than for t(12;21) (0.87; P=0.002) and high hyperdiploidy (0.82; P=0.04). We conclude that dic(9;20) is twice as common as previously surmised, with many cases going undetected by G-banding analysis, and that dic(9;20) should be considered a non-standard risk abnormality.

Monitoring of BCR-ABL transcripts has become established practice in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia. However, nucleic acid amplification techniques are prone to variations which limit the reliability of real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) for clinical decision making, highlighting the need for standardization of assays and reporting of minimal residual disease (MRD) data. We evaluated a lyophilized preparation of a leukemic cell line (K562) as a potential quality control reagent. This was found to be relatively stable, yielding comparable respective levels of ABL, GUS and BCR-ABL transcripts as determined by RQ-PCR before and after accelerated degradation experiments as well as following 5 years storage at -20 degrees C. Vials of freeze-dried cells were sent at ambient temperature to 22 laboratories on four continents, with RQ-PCR analyses detecting BCR-ABL transcripts at levels comparable to those observed in primary patient samples. Our results suggest that freeze-dried cells can be used as quality control reagents with a range of analytical instrumentations and could enable the development of urgently needed international standards simulating clinically relevant levels of MRD.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEpo) has an important role in the treatment of anaemic patients. Because of the high cost of r-HuEpo treatment, an early indicator of whether a patient is responding to the therapy would be valuable. Although measurement of gene expression is a promising new tool, it has not yet been established in clinical practice. The response pattern of a possible new marker, beta-globin mRNA, is compared with reticulocyte count, levels of haemoglobin, transferrin receptor and ferritin after r-HuEpo treatment. Eight healthy volunteers were stimulated with erythropoietin three times a week for four weeks and compared with five untreated control subjects. Blood samples were collected before each erythropoietin injection. Quantitative measurement of beta-globin mRNA was performed by poly(A) selection onto a manifold plastic support, coated with oligo(dT). The mRNA was reverse transcribed, followed by quantitative analysis using PCR via the 5' nuclease assay. The individuals treated with rHuEpo showed a more distinct increase in beta-globin mRNA levels than all other laboratory measurements. Beta-globin mRNA levels are therefore promising as a marker for the response to treatment with Epo.

Detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) has proven to provide independent prognostic information for treatment stratification in several types of leukemias such as childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute promyelocytc leukemia. This report focuses on the accurate quantitative measurement of fusion gene (FG) transcripts as can be applied in 35-45% of ALL and acute myeloid leukemia, and in more than 90% of CML. A total of 26 European university laboratories from 10 countries have collaborated to establish a standardized protocol for TaqMan-based real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) analysis of the main leukemia-associated FGs within the Europe Against Cancer EAC) program. Four phases were scheduled: (1) training, (2) optimization, (3) sensitivity testing and (4) patient sample testing. During our program, three quality control rounds on a large series of coded RNA samples were performed including a balanced randomized assay, which enabled final validation of the EAC primer and probe sets. The expression level of the nine major FG transcripts in a large series of stored diagnostic leukemia samples (n = 278) was evaluated. After normalization, no statistically significant difference in expression level was observed between bone marrow and peripheral blood on paired samples at diagnosis. However, RQ-PCR revealed marked differences in FG expression between transcripts in leukemic samples at diagnosis that could account for differential assay sensitivity. The development of standardized protocols for RQ-PCR analysis of FG transcripts provides a milestone for molecular determination of MRD levels. This is likely to prove invaluable to the management of patients entered into multicenter therapeutic trials.

Neuroleukin (NLK) is a protein identical with the glycolytic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) that has been reported to support the survival of a subpopulation of neurons in embryonic dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord neurons in culture. In this report we have studied the developmental expression of NLK mRNA in the chick embryo in order to evaluate its possible role as a neurotrophic factor. The chicken gene encoding NLK was isolated by cross-hybridization to a mouse NLK cDNA clone. A DNA fragment from the chicken NLK gene with a 90% nucleotide sequence homology to mouse NLK cDNA encoding amino acids 310-355 was then used as a hybridization probe in a series of RNA-blots. In the entire embryo NLK mRNA was found already at embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5) and the level of expression was significantly decreased between E3.5 and hatching. Roughly similar levels of NLK mRNA were found in all tissues of the E8 embryo analyzed with the exception of the brain, which contained only low levels. When the developmental expression was analyzed in different tissues separately, NLK mRNA expression was found to decrease during development in the heart and bursa of Fabricius, whereas the level of mRNA in the brain showed a large increase shortly after hatching. The spinal cord and the pectoral and femoral muscles all showed high levels of NLK mRNA throughout development. In the adult chick, the highest levels of NLK mRNA were found in the muscle, brain, and kidney, where the NLK mRNA was estimated to account for approximately 0.1% of the total mRNA in these tissues. A widespread expression of NLK mRNA was observed in the adult brain with approximately similar levels in all brain regions tested. Similar results were also obtained when NLK mRNA expression was analyzed in adult rats. Our results show that developmental expression of the NLK gene is independently regulated in different tissues. The widespread and abundant expression of both the avian and rodent NLK gene is in accor