Investigators at Eberhard-Karls University, Institute of Pathology have published new data on chronic myeloid leukemia genetics
December 15th, 2008
2008 DEC 15 -- Investigators publish new data in the report 'Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia as defined in the WHO classification is a JAK2 V617F negative neoplasm.' "Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) as defined by the WHO classification is a rare hematopoietic stem cell disorder, which shows both myeloproliferative as well as myelodysplastic features. Because of the presence of neutrophilic leukocytosis, aCML may resemble chronic myelogenous leukemia," investigators in Germany report.
"However, in contrast with the latter, aCML lacks a Philadelphia chromosome or the BCR/ABL fusion gene. The molecular pathogenesis of aCML and its relationship to other myeloproliferative neoplasms is unknown. To clarify these points, the presence of JAK2 V617F was examined by a retrospective analysis of archival specimens obtained from two large medical institutions. Paraffin-embedded bone marrow (BM) trephines and clot sections were examined by an allele-specific TaqMan PCR suitable for use with decalcified tissue. Fifty-nine cases of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (CMPN) and normal bone marrows (BM) served as controls. None of the nine amplifiable cases of aCML and none of the normal BM controls showed a JAK2 V617F mutation, in contrast to 45/59 (76%) of the Ph chromosome negative CMPN cases," wrote F. Fend and colleagues, Eberhard-Karls University, Institute of Pathology.
The researchers concluded: "Atypical CML should therefore be considered as a JAK2 negative chronic myeloid neoplasm that remains properly categorized, alongside chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, within the WHO group of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms."
Fend and colleagues published their study in Leukemia Research (Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia as defined in the WHO classification is a JAK2 V617F negative neoplasm. Leukemia Research, 2008;32(12):1931-5).
For additional information, contact F. Fend, University Hospital Tuebingen, Institute of Pathology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany.
The publisher of the journal Leukemia Research can be contacted at: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.
