Detection of BCR/ABL fusion genes by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Objective To detect BCR/ABL fusion genes of interphase cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) as an assistant way of diagnosis and treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Methods FISH was applied to detect BCR/ABL fusion genes of 15 CML marrow samples,among which 5 CML marrow smears and 5 CML mononuclear cell smears of peripheral blood mere detected by FISH simultaneously.5 marrow culture cells of non-CML were used as controls. Results 10 of 15 CML marrow samples were cultured successfully and 8 Ph1 chromosomes were detected by chromosome analysis.14 BCR/ABL fusion genes positive cases in 15 marrow samples,4 positive cases in SCML marrow smears,and 2 positive cases in 5 CML mononuclear cell smears were detected by FISH.5 negative cases in 5 non-CML samples were detected by FISH. Conclusions BCR/ABL fusion genes of interphase cells could be detected quickly and reliably by fluorescence in situ hybridization,which was a new way of diagnosis and monitoring of CML.