International reporting scale of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript in chronic myeloid leukemia: first report from India

Acta Haematol. 2012;127(3):135-42. doi: 10.1159/000334716. Epub 2012 Jan 12.

Abstract

Achieving a major molecular response (MMR) is an important predictor of progression-free survival in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib. This requires accurate measurement of BCR-ABL1 transcripts normalized to a control gene, as well as defining a level (BCR-ABL1/control gene ratio) that will correlate with sustained clinical response. To make these measurements comparable between laboratories, an international scale (IS) is necessary. A BCR-ABL1/control gene ratio of 0.10% represents MMR in the IS. In collaboration with an international reference laboratory in Adelaide, S.A., Australia, we have established and validated a lab-specific conversion factor for expressing BCR-ABL1 transcript levels in the IS. In this report, we explain the process and steps involved in obtaining a valid lab-specific conversion factor for expressing BCR-ABL1 transcript levels in the IS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzamides
  • Clinical Chemistry Tests / standards
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / genetics
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / metabolism*
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / standards
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • India
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / genetics
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Reference Standards

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl