Abstract
In view of the potential role for ras activation in leukemogenesis, we have screened a number of children with acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) for activating point mutations at codons 12, 13 and 61 of the N-ras proto-oncogene using panels of oligonucleotide probes in conjunction with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gene amplification. In contrast to the frequent occurrence (∼ 30%) of N-ras mutation reported in adult ANLL, 6 of 46 cases (13%) at the time of diagnosis had N-ras mutations involving codons 12 and 13. In these patients we also determine whether presenting clinical symptoms, cellular pathology, karyotype, or eventual outcome distinguished them from the ras-negative group. N-ras activation tended to be associated with a higher white blood cell count at diagnosis (mean of 225 000/μl vs 91 000/μl) and fewer remissions obtained after 28 days of therapy ( 3 6, 50% vs 24 32, 75%). It is possible that activation of N-ras oncogene may be involved in the progression of some cases of childhood ANLL.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 935-941 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Leukemia Research |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- N-ras activation
- childhood ANLL
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research