MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SCL REARRANGEMENTS IN T-CELL ALL FROM INDIA AND EGYPT

SCL gene rearrangement is the most common molecular lesion (25%) ident ified so far in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Since the frequency of T-ALL appears to be relatively higher in developing coun tries, we wished to determine as to what fraction of T-ALL from this p opulation harbor SCL rearrangements. We show in this study that althou gh the overall frequency of SCL/SIL rearrangements in T-ALL is similar to the Western countries this is at the expense of increased type A r earrangements. Whether the paucity of type B rearrangements reflects a difference in disease etiology in this part of the world is to be det ermined.