MULTIPLEX PCR OF BCR-ABL FUSION TRANSCRIPTS IN PHILADELPHIA-POSITIVE ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC-LEUKEMIA

We describe a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of bcr-abl fusion mRNA in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), The assay provides a quick method for screening p190 (e1:a2 ) and p210 (b2:a2 or b3:a2) bcr-abl mRNAs simultaneously. The assay pr oves to be highly sensitive with detection of as little as one positiv e bcr-abl-expressing cell in a background of 10(5) negative bcr-abl ce lls. Bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens from six patients were in total accordance when run by multiplex PCR and by the single prime r PCR approach. The multiplex bcr-abl assay may grove to be highly use ful for screening newly diagnosed patients with ALL for the bcr-abl fu sion transcript and in following the course of disease during therapy.