Cytogenetic and molecular aberrations in childhood B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a common hematological malignancy in children and is characterized by genetic changes such as mutations and chromosomal translocations. These cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities have got diagnostic and prognostic significance. Identification of these abnormalities helps in risk categorization and appropriate therapy. Aim of the study was to assess the cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities associated with B Lineage ALL in children.Methods: It was a hospital based retrospective observational study of 79 children diagnosed with B Lineage ALL by Bone marrow aspirate morphology and flow cytometry.' Bone marrow samples or Peripheral blood were sent for cytogenetic/molecular analysis by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization technique. Descriptive data analysis was done using SPSS software.Results: Out of 199 cases 163(82%) were B Lineage ALL. 79(48%) undergone molecular analysis. Out of 79 cases of B lineage ALL, Translocation t(9;22) BCR-ABL1' was positive in 2(2.5%) cases , Translocation t(12;21) TEL/AML1' was positive 9(11%) cases and MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangements was seen in 6(7.6%) children. Out of 79 cases of B lineage ALL, 6(7.6%) were Infantile ALL (Males 1(17%); Females 5(83%)).' 4(67%) cases were positive for MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangement, all of them were female children. Over all 17(22%) cases (Males 4(24%); Females 13(76%)) were positive for molecular abnormalities.Conclusions: Many children with ALL have got Cytogenetic and Molecular abnormalities. The highest percentage of cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities was related to t(12;21)TEL/AML1 in B Lineage ALL children, if present confer favourable prognosis. MLL (KMT2A) Gene Rearrangement was the common molecular abnormality in Infantile B ALL, presence of it leads to high risk categorization and confer poor prognosis. The evaluation of cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities in children is essential in estimating the prognosis in B Lineage ALL children, which will be a great contribution to offer appropriate therapeutic approaches.