BCR/ABL1, p210, mRNA Detection, Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Quantitative, Monitoring Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Varies

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC72178Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID BCRABCPT Code 81206

BCR/ABL1, p210, mRNA Detection, Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Quantitative, Monitoring Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Varies

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for monitoring response to therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have the e13/a2 or e14/a2 BCR/ABL1 fusion transcript forms. The BCR/ABL1 fusion gene is associated with the pathogenesis of CML and produces the p210 fusion protein, an abnormal tyrosine kinase. Monitoring BCR/ABL1 mRNA levels helps assess prognosis and therapy management, as rising levels can indicate resistance mutations. Quantitative RT-PCR is used due to its sensitivity in detecting BCR/ABL1 levels during treatment.

Special Instructions

Specimens must arrive within 72 hours of collection. Collect and package specimen as close to shipping time as possible. Pertinent clinical history, including whether the patient has CML or other BCR/ABL1-positive neoplasm, is required. Forms such as the Hematopathology/Cytogenetics Test Request should accompany the specimen if ordering electronically is not possible.

Limitations

This test detects only the e13/a2 and e14/a2 fusion forms coding for the p210 protein. It does not detect other forms, such as those including the BCR e1 exon seen in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It should not be used to screen for BCR/ABL1 fusions at diagnosis. Only level changes above 0.5 log are clinically significant due to variation at low levels. Results cannot be directly compared to those from other PCR assays or FISH technology, and monitoring should be consistently performed in the same manner and laboratory.

Test Details

New York Approved