Real time Quantitation Polymerase Chain Reaction (RQ-PCR) for the BCR::ABL1 transcript is a vital tool in the monitoring of BCR::ABL1 positive leukaemia patients receiving Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy. The IRIS study shows that a Major Molecular Response in BCR::ABL1 levels, equivalent to 0.1% on the International reporting Scale (IS), equates to better overall outcome. European Leukaemia Net (ELN) guidelines classify optimal response to treatment as the achievement of MMR by 18 months.
In this programme participants are provided with lyophilised cell-lines for quantitative BCR::ABL1 analysis. Participants are asked to submit quantitative results, either as % BCR::ABL1/control gene or % BCR::ABL1/control gene on the international scale (IS) together with details of the methodology. Instructions for the storage, reconstitution and use of the lyophilised samples are included with the samples. Three send-outs are issued per annum, with each send-out consisting of two samples.
Fusion Gene Nomenclature - Latest Update
Following the recent publication of the HUGO Gene Nomenclature committee (HGNC) consensus statement regarding fusion gene nomenclature (Bruford et al. 2021), UK NEQAS LI are working to implement use of the double colon (::) for the description of fusion genes (e.g. BCR::ABL1). Historical nomenclature (e.g. BCR-ABL1) may persist in some areas of our website and documentation for an interim period due to IT constraints.
Bruford EA, et al. HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) recommendations for the designation of gene fusions. Leukemia. 2021
No activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted.
To register for this programme, please click here.
UK NEQAS LI facilitates access to the Cepheid maintained document(s), which includes guidance on the recommended sample preparation process protocol for our lyophilised EQA/PT material, for the convenience of participants utilising the Cepheid GeneXpert system. By hosting such information on our website, UK NEQAS LI are in no way endorsing the use of any particular assay kit/reagent, method, platform or technology.