The detection of PML-RARα fusion gene in promyelocytic leukemia to monitor minimal residual disease

Objective:To investigate the PML-RARα fusion gene on monitor minimal residual disease(MRD) in acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL).Method:PML-RARα fusion gene was detected by RT-PCR in induction therapy,consolidation and maintenance therapy.Result:The long-term follow-up of 18 cases who achieved complete remission(CR), two cases relapsed in molecular level. One case relapsed after 4 months of CR1 and achieved CR2 after induction therapy. However, molecular and hematological relapse occured again 2 months later after CR2 and it achieved CR3 after one induction therapy. The other case relapsed after 74 months and achieved CR2 by induction treatment, and survived for 106 months untile the end of follow-up. Conclusion:RT-PCR assay for detection of PML-RARα should be performed regularly during CR period to monitor molecular relapse. Hematological relapse could be potentially averted by modification treatment according to monitoring PML-RARα.