Molecular Diagnostic Kit for AML Evaluated in Multi-Center Study

The Wilms' Tumor protein-1 (WT1) European Leukemia Network (LEN) ProfileQuant kit was evaluated in 238 diagnostic peripheral blood (PB) and 386 bone marrow (BM) samples. There was a highly significant correlation between larger log reduction in normalized WT1 transcript level and better risk score. This study provides evidence that recognized pre-treatment risk factors correlate closely with kinetics of response to induction therapy and lend support to the evaluation of early assessment of MRD to develop more robust risk scores, to enhance risk stratification, and identify those patients most suited to proceed rapidly to allogeneic transplant.

WT1, a tumor-associated antigen, is overexpressed in most types of leukemia and in a variety of solid cancers. The WT1 assay was developed by Ipsogen (Marseille, France) and designed to quantify minimal residual disease (MRD) in AML patients. The study confirmed that WT1 is a useful marker for predicting patient disease aggressiveness and determine response to treatment.

The results of the multi-center study were presented at the 49th American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, held in Atlanta, GA, USA, from December 8-11, 2007.

Ipsogen is a provider of molecular diagnostic tests for the disease management of cancer patients. The company has built a comprehensive portfolio of unique products in blood cancers available in over 50 countries all over the world to leading institutions involved in cancer care.

Two hundred and thirty-seven scientists from 22 countries are cooperating in the European Leukemia Network program. The aim of the program is to strengthen and develop scientific and technologic excellence in research and therapy of leukemia by integration of the leading national leukemia networks and their interdisciplinary partner groups in Europe.


Related Links:
Ipsogen
European Leukemia Network