Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), characterized by malignant transformation of B- or T-cell precursors, is the most common cancer among children. While modern treatment protocols enable high survival rates, some subtypes are still associated with poor prognosis. Researchers are therefore working on recognition of additional (molecular-genetic) factors which affect treatment failure or disease recurrence.
In our research, we used MLPA method to assess DNA copy-number alterations in children with B-cell ALL and linked these alterations to treatment outcome. We found out that children who harbour IKZF1 deletion and children with at least one additional deletion (IKZF1plus) had lower event-free survival compared to children without such genetic lesions. Children, classified as IKZF1plus, also had lower overall survival.
Once this newly set-up genetic method is introduced into diagnostics, it will help recognize children with B-cell ALL at higher risk, who will then receive more optimal treatment.
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