Role genu WT1 v normální hematopoese a leukemogenese

Abstract

6 Abstract The Wilms' tumor gene is highly expressed in a large proportion of human acute leukemias and other hematological malignancies. It is thought to play an important role in human hematpoiesis and leukemogenesis. Despite the large number of studies, WT1 expression patterns and its clinical significance in acute myeloid leukemia remain still controversial. To investigate the prognostic relevance of initial WT1 expression and its usefulness as a marker for minimal residual disease, we have analysed 66 bone marrow samples from newly diagnosed AML patients. RQ-RT-PCR for absolute quantification of total WT1 was designed according to Europe Against Cancer Program. In 82 % of samples we detected a higher expression of WT1 compared to normal healthy donors or patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (p<0.0001). We did not find any correlation between initial WT1 expression level and age or sex. Patients with FAB M3 subtype showed significantly higher WT1 levels than other subtypes, especially M5 (p<0.001). We found a strikingly high WT1 expression in standard risk group patients compared to high risk group (p<0.0007). Children with FAB/cytogenetical favorable prognostic factors have high WT1 expression, while there was no relation between WT1 levels at diagnosis and day 15 BM response. We did not find any...