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Leukemia survival and time to initiation of therapy could be predicted by CLLU1 expression

07-11-2006

Leukemia survival and time to initiation of therapy could be predicted by chronic lymphocytic leukemia upregulated gene1 (CLLU1) expression levels.

According to a study from Denmark, "Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disease with a highly variable clinical course. IgV(H) mutational status, chromosomal aberrations, CD38 expression and ZAP-70 expression are prognostic markers in CLL, however, they are not exclusively confined to this disease. We recently identified a novel CLL-specific gene, CLLU1, that is exclusively upregulated in CLL cells. Here we describe our evaluation of the prognostic significance of CLLU1 in CLL."

"A cohort of 59 previously untreated CLL patients was studied. We determined the expression levels of two CLLU1 transcripts, cDNA1 and CDS, by quantitative RT-PCR. The relation between CLLU1 expression and time to therapy, overall survival and presence or absence of ZAP-70, CD38, chromosomal aberrations or IgV(H) mutations in the 59 patients was analyzed," explained A.M. Buhl and colleagues, Rigshospitalet.

"Analyzed as a continuous, quantitative parameter CLLU1 levels significantly predicted time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy (p{{<=}}.0003). Analyzed as a categorical parameter, by segregation of the patients into groups with cDNA1 or CDS expression above or below the median, the CLLU1 levels significantly predicted time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy (p=.001) and predicted overall survival with borderline significance (p{{<=}}.05).

"Patient stratification according to clinical stage, cytogenetics, IgV(H) mutational status, ZAP-70 and CD38, demonstrated significantly increased CLLU1 expression in all investigated CLL poor risk groups. CLLU1 expression levels contributed additional prognostic information to ZAP-70-positive patients. CLLU1 is the first identified CLL specific gene," announced the investigators.

The researchers concluded, "The CLLU1 mRNA expression level can predict time to initiation of treatment and survival in CLL patients."

Buhl and colleagues published the results of their research in European Journal of Haematology (CLLU1 expression levels predict time to initiation of therapy and overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eur J Haematol, 2006;76(6):455-464).

For additional information, contact A.M. Buhl, Rigshospitalet, Dept. Hematology 4041, Leukemia Laboratory, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.

The publisher of the European Journal of Haematology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Copenhagen, Denmark, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Genetics, Outcome, Prognosis, Prognostic Factor, Prognostics, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Upregulated Gene1, Survival.

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