[Identification of gene rearrangements in childhood leukemia by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-microarray approach].

The aim of study was to investigate the application of a novel microarray approach for the eight most common leukemia translocations in children for routine molecular diagnostic hematopathology practice. Bone marrow samples from 84 children with leukemia were analyzed by multiplex nested RT-PCR combined with oligonucleotide microarray. The results showed that out of 84 leukemic samples, 31 (36. 90%) carried 8 types of fusion genes including tel/aml1, e2a/pbx1, bcr/ablp190, bcr/ablp210, mll/af4, aml1/eto, pml/raralpha, cbfbeta/myh11. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay is comparable with the RT-PCR technique. In conclusion, this multiplex nested RT-PCR could quickly screen 8 types of chromosome structural aberrations at the same time. It can provide reliable and helpful information for risk stratification, therapy evaluation and prognosis prediction in childhood leukemia. There are both advantages and disadvantages in applying this new method. The microarray-based assay will be an effective and reliable tool in the clinical screening of leukemia patients for the presence of specific gene rearrangements with important diagnostic and prognostic implications.