Real-time quantification of TEL-AML1 fusion transcripts for MRD detection in relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Comparison with antigen receptor-based MRD quantification methods

Response to therapy of ALL assessed by molecular methods has been proved to be a predictor of outcome. Alternatively to established but very labour-intensive DNA-based PCR-techniques the TEL-AML1 fusion transcript can serve as a marker for MRD monitoring. MRD quantification using TEL-AML1 is of particular interest if the results are directly comparable to data obtained by established DNA-based assays. Investigation of the potential of MRD monitoring using LightCycler technology for TEL-AML1 real-time quantification and comparison to results from established DNA-based MRD assays revealed corresponding results. Accordingly, TEL-AML1 MRD quantification is a sensitive, specific and rapid method that can supplement clone-specific MRD detection.