BCR-ABL1 Gene Fusion Analysis, Quantitative (Major or Minor)
Overview
The BCR-ABL1 Gene Fusion Analysis, Quantitative test detects and measures the amount of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript present in blood or bone marrow samples. This fusion gene is formed due to a chromosomal translocation known as the Philadelphia Chromosome and is a key diagnostic marker for certain leukemias.
The test helps diagnose, monitor treatment response, and assess disease progression in patients with:
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (Major transcript)
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Minor transcript)
Rare cases of other myeloproliferative disorders
Test Method
Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR)
Sample Type: Peripheral Blood or Bone Marrow
Report Format: International Scale (IS%) and transcript copy number
What Does the Test Detect?
Major BCR-ABL1 Transcripts
p210 (e13a2/b2a2, e14a2/b3a2)
Commonly associated with CML
Minor BCR-ABL1 Transcripts
p190 (e1a2)
Commonly associated with Ph-positive ALL
Why is this Test Ordered?
Diagnosis of CML or Ph-positive ALL
Establishing baseline disease burden
Monitoring response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy
Detecting minimal residual disease (MRD)
Identifying relapse after treatment
Clinical Significance
Presence of BCR-ABL1 confirms Philadelphia chromosome-associated leukemia.
Falling transcript levels indicate a favorable response.
Rising transcript levels may suggest treatment resistance or disease relapse.
Interpretation of Results
Result
Interpretation
Not Detected
No evidence of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript
Low Positive
Minimal disease burden or good treatment response
Positive
Presence of BCR-ABL1-associated leukemia
Increasing Levels
Possible disease progression or relapse
Major Molecular Response (MMR)
Excellent therapeutic response
Preparation
No fasting required.
Inform your physician about ongoing cancer therapies or recent bone marrow transplantation.
Blood sample collection is typically sufficient for monitoring.
Benefits of the Test
Highly sensitive and specific detection
Enables early assessment of treatment response
Helps guide targeted therapy decisions
Supports long-term disease monitoring
Detects residual disease before clinical relapse
FAQ
Q: What is the Philadelphia chromosome? A genetic abnormality created by the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.
Q: Why are repeated tests required? Regular monitoring helps determine how well treatment is working and detects relapse early.
Q: What is Major Molecular Response (MMR)? A significant reduction in BCR-ABL1 transcript levels, indicating effective treatment and improved prognosis.
Q: Can this test be used after treatment? Yes. It is routinely used to monitor residual disease and long-term treatment response.