Clinical application value of quantification of PML-RARα fusion gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Objective To explore the clinical application value of quantification of PML-RARα fusion gene in the diagnosis and therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL).Methods The PML-RARα fusion gene was quantified using real-time quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction in 12 APL patients at initial diagnosis,complete remission and relapse.The levels of PML-RARα fusion gene,morphology and chromosomal alterations at different times were compared.Results PML-RARα fusion gene was positive in all 12 APL patients at initial diagnosis and decreased or turned negative at complete remission.PML-RARα fusion gene became positive again after relapse,which was earlier than the morphologic and chromosomal abnormalities.Furthermore,the levels of PML-RARα fusion gene at relapse were significantly higher than that at initial diagnosis.Conclusion The quantification of PML-RARα fusion gene could provide evidence for the diagnosis,therapy and relapse in APL.