Molecular detection of bcr/abl m-RNA and cytogenetic analysis in CML patients: Comparison of results and factors affecting the methodologies used

Abstract

The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) is the cytogenetic hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), based on clinical and morphological criteria. Both cytogenetic analysis and reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) detection of the chirneric bcr/abl mRNAs were performed on 30 patients prediagnosed as CML. The methodology and results of RT-PCR detection of the bcr/abl mRNA, and those of cytogenetic analysis are compared and discussed. Our results emphasize the need of both procedures in the diagnosis and follow-up of CML patients.