A molecular risk score integrating BAALC, ERG and WT1 expression levels for risk stratification in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Issue 11 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hecht, Anna; Nowak, Daniel; Nowak, Verena; Hanfstein, Benjamin; Büchner, Thomas; Spiekermann, Karsten; Weiß, Christel; Hofmann, Wolf-Karsten; Lengfelder, Eva; Nolte, Florian
• Is Part Of: Leukemia research. Volume 39:Issue 11(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1172
• Page End: 1177
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Acute promyelocytic leukemia -- Molecular risk factors -- Prognosis -- Relapse -- Survival; Leukemia -- Periodicals; Leukemia -- Periodicals; Leucémie -- Périodiques; Leukemia; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 616.9941905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2126

Abstract

Highlights: A molecular risk score integrating BAALC, ERG and WT1 expression showed to be a strong prognostic marker for risk stratification in APL. Especially the concurrent presence of molecular risk factors is associated with inferior outcome of APL patients. Abstract: To date risk stratification in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is based on highly dynamic leukocyte and platelet counts only. To identify a more robust risk stratification model, a molecular risk score was developed based on expression levels of the genes BAALC, ERG and WT1 . Hereby, the main focus was on prediction of relapse. The integrative risk score divided patients into two groups with highly significant differences in outcome. It discriminated a high risk group with a high incidence of relapse successfully from a low risk group with no APL-related events after achievement of first remission. Especially the concurrent presence of molecular risk factors showed to be a negative prognostic factor in APL. The molecular risk score might be a promising approach to guide monitoring of APL patients and therapeutic decisions in the future.