Frequency of BCR-ABL Gene Translocation in B-ALL Patients Associated with Clinicopathological Parameters

Abstract

Background: B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) accounts for 25% of childhood malignancies. Chromosomal abnormalities like translocations lead to the formation of oncogenes, some of which are strong predictors of prognosis and response to anti-leukemic therapy. This study aimed to find out the frequency of BCR-ABL gene translocation in B-ALL patients by fluorescence in situhybridization (FISH) and its association with their clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: Patients (n=150) aged 1-17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of B-ALL were selected. Peripheral blood and/or bone marrow aspirate samples were obtained and Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene (BCR-ABL) translocation by FISH was observed. The patient’s demographics, hemoglobin levels, total leucocytes count, platelet count, FISH results, CNS status and risk stratification were recorded. Data was stratified and the Chi-square test was applied, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were 100 (66.67%) males and 50 (33.33%) females. The average age of the patients was 7.03±4.51 years. The frequency of BCR-ABL translocation in B-ALL was 16(10%). A significant association was found between age and BCR-ABL translocation (p-value <0.05), however, an insignificant association was recorded among gender, Hb levels, TLC, platelet count, CNS status, proposed risk stratification system of B-ALL and BCR-ABL translocation (p-value >0.05).

Conclusion: The frequency of BCR-ABL translocation in B-ALL was significantly high in the targeted population. FISH improves detection of the BCR-ABL translocation in either metaphase or interphase cells. Therefore, BCR-ABL expression can be considered as a prognostic approach and assist in effective treatment planning and better management of these children.

Keywords: Leukemia; In Situ Hybridization; Fluorescence; Pathology.