1800 Williams St., Suite 200 • Denver, CO 80218
Phone 303-388-4876 • Fax 303-336-2193 • Toll Free 1-800-891-7622

URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/news/Leukemia-developed-in-patient-with-primary-thrombocythemia-and-absence-of-BCRABL-rearrangement-1977.html

Leukemia developed in patient with primary thrombocythemia and absence of BCR/ABL rearrangement

07-27-2006

Chronic myeloid leukemia developed in a patient with primary thrombocythemia (PT) and absence of BCR/ABL rearrangement.

According to recent research published in the journal Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics, "A 65-year-old woman presented with clinical features of PT, and absence of the BCR/ABL fusion gene. She responded to hydroxyurea treatment, although after 1 year she required progressive increases in the dose."

"Six years later, she maintained a high platelet count despite hydroxyurea at 2 g/day and treatment was changed to anagrelide. After 3 weeks, both platelet and leukocyte counts increased. A karyotype study detected the Philadelphia chromosome in all of the 24 metaphases studied. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed the BCR/ABL rearrangement. The patient was treated with imatinib mesylate and achieved a normal platelet and leukocyte count in 3 weeks," explained J.M. Cesar and colleagues, Hospital Ramon y Cajal.

The researchers concluded, "Patients presenting clinical features of PT expressing the Ph chromosome or the BCR/ABL fusion gene have been well documented; but, to our knowledge, this is the first report of evolution from typical PT to chronic myeloid leukemia."

Cesar and colleagues published their study in Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics (Emergence of chronic myelogenous leukemia in a patient with primary thrombocythemia and absence of BCR/ABL rearrangement. Cancer Genet Cytogenet, 2006;167(1):74-77).

For additional information, contact J.M. Cesar, Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Dept. Hematology, Ctera Colmenar Km 9-1, E-28034 Madrid, Spain.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics is: Elsevier Science Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.

Keywords: Madrid, Spain, Angiology, Cancer Genetics, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Diagnosis, Diagnostics, Cancer Drugs, Genetics, Hematology, Hydroxyurea, Oncology, Pharmaceuticals, Platelet Count Cancer Therapy.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.