[Molecular classification in leukemias using gene expression profiling].

Abstract

A comprehensive approach to the diagnosis in leukemias relies on cytomorphology, cytochemistry, cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiparameter flow cytometry, and molecular methods. Recently, gene expression profiling using microarrays was invented to measure the expression of thousands of genes in one step. A specific signature stands for the molecular fingerprint of a tumor sample. Therefore, gene expression profiling may lead to a better molecular classification of leukemias and insights into pathophysiology. Furthermore, gene expression profiling may lead to new targeted therapies and can detect genes to be used for minimal residual disease studies. Very recent studies point also to the possibility to use gene expression profiling for prognostication. In conclusion, microarrays may lead to a single platform approach in leukemia diagnosis with quick and very robust results. This new technique should be further validated in parallel to the standard work-flow and has to be proven before substituting other methods in the future.