Assesment of FLT3-gene mutations among children with acute leukemia

FLT3-gene mutations cause leukemic cells to proliferate uncontrollably and leads to a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to explore appropriate at diagnostic molecular tests and to screen mutations that occur in patients with acute leukemia. In this basic study, 91 children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) were investigated for FLT3-gene mutations, including ITD mutation (Internal Tandem Duplication) and the point mutation that is coded by exon 17. ITD mutation in FLT3 receptor was analyzed by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) in 11, 12 exons and 11 intron using designed primers. For analysis of point mutation of Exon 17 in FLT3 receptor gene, the genomic DNA of patient was amplified using the PCR. Resulted PCR products were studied by ECORV enzyme and restriction length polymorphism (RFLP). In cases of positive ITD, the sequencing method was applied. Of 91 acute leukemia patients, ITD mutation was observed in 7 cases. Two of 91 patients had point mutation of D835. Distribution of ITD and point mutation of D835 mutation was not identical in FAB subtypes. FLT3-gene mutations are prevalent mutation in children with acute leukemia. So, it can be decided about the treatment after molecular diagnosis of this mutaions, independent of FAB classification and before the treatment get started.