Detection of residual leukemia after bone marrow transplant for chronic myeloid leukemia: role of polymerase chain reaction in predicting relapse.

摘要: We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect residual leukemia-specific mRNA in blood and marrow from 37 patients complete hematologic cytogenetic remission after allogeneic bone transplant (BMT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Our two-step PCR method involved use of "nested primers" second step could one K562 cell diluted into 10(5) normal cells. Elaborate measures were taken exclude false-positive false-negative results. In nine whose studied simultaneously results concordant (two positive seven negative). Twenty-three transplanted phase (CP) with unmanipulated donor studied. Blood cells these 3 6 months post-BMT six positive; three negative on subsequent studies. 18 between 8 years all negative. Nine CP T-cell-depleted five was 24 post-BMT; post-BMT. Four no longer first BMT marrow. four 5 19 Based known clinical cohorts we conclude that may be within who can expect long-lasting remission, whereas positivity later indicate probability cure is reduced. Thus, technique prove useful early assessment new protocols might inadvertently increase risk relapse.