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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia prognosticated by CALCA promoter hypermethylation

09-19-2006

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients with central nervous system (CNS) infiltration could be prognosticated by hypermethylation of the calcitonin (CALCA) promoter.

According to recent research from Brazil, "Promoter hypermethylation occurs early in leukemogenesis and seems to be associated with poor prognosis in ALL. The methylation status of the promoter region of 6 genes was analyzed in 71 children with ALL using methylation specific PCR (MSP)."

"CALCA and E-cadherin (CDH1) were the most frequently methylated genes in this group of patients. Considering the patients with CNS infiltration, the estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) was 20% for those with methylation in CALCA promoter and 85% for those without (p=.001)," explained V.A. Paixao and colleagues, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.

The researchers concluded, "Our results suggest that the hypermethylation of CALCA promoter is a promising prognostic marker and may predict a higher risk for ALL patients with CNS infiltration."

Paixao and colleagues published their study in Leukemia Research (Hypermethylation of CpG island in the promoter region of CALCA in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with central nervous system (CNS) infiltration correlates with poorer prognosis. Leuk Res, 2006;30(7):891-894).

For additional information, contact A.L. Vettore, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Sao Paulo Branch, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Publisher contact information for the journal Leukemia Research is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: Sao Paulo, Brazil, CALCA, Central Nervous System, Central Nervous System Injury, Leukemia, MSP, Methylation, Neurology, Prognosis, Prognostics, Risk Factor, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, CNS Infiltration, Hypermethylation, Calcitonin.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.