BCR-ABL Quantitative Test | Accurate Monitoring for Leukemia Detection

Description

BCR/ABL – Quantitative Lab Test – Critical Monitoring for Leukemia Patients

The BCR/ABL Quantitative Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a high-precision molecular diagnostic testthat detects and measures the BCR-ABL fusion gene—a genetic abnormality caused by the Philadelphia chromosome, which is present in:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – 95% of cases
• Philadelphia chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL) – 20–30% of adult ALL cases

This fusion gene produces a tyrosine kinase protein that drives uncontrolled white blood cell production, leading to leukemia.

The quantitative aspect of this test is crucial—it doesn’t just detect the gene; it measures how much is present, allowing oncologists to:

• Confirm diagnosis
• Monitor response to targeted therapy (e.g., imatinib, dasatinib)
• Detect early signs of resistance or relapse
• Adjust treatment plans proactively

Using real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology, this blood-based test delivers highly sensitive results, helping hematologists and oncologists track disease burden over time.

Available with home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures accurate, private, and stress-free testing—so you can stay on top of your cancer journey.

Why You Need This Test

If you’ve been diagnosed with CML or Ph+ ALL, this test is not optional—it’s essential for tracking your treatment success and ensuring long-term remission.

You need the BCR/ABL Quantitative Test if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with CML or Ph+ ALL
• You’re on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib, nilotinib, or ponatinib
• Your doctor is evaluating treatment response at 3, 6, 12 months
• You’re being assessed for treatment-free remission (TFR)
• You have rising WBC counts or new symptoms

This test helps:

• Confirm molecular response (e.g., MR4, MR4.5)
• Detect resistance early (before blood counts worsen)
• Guide therapy adjustments
• Reduce anxiety with objective data

Regular testing = better survival and quality of life.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

While the BCR/ABL test is primarily used for monitoring, it may be ordered if you experience:

✅ For CML (Chronic Phase):

• Fatigue, weakness, or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal fullness (due to enlarged spleen)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Frequent infections
• High white blood cell count on CBC

✅ For Accelerated/Blast Phase:

• Fever without infection
• Bone pain
• Worsening anemia or low platelets
• Rapid disease progression

✅ For High-Risk Individuals:

• Abnormal blood counts on routine tests
• Family history of hematologic disorders (rare)

These signs may point to leukemia—and this test helps confirm and monitor it.

Natural Production: How the Philadelphia Chromosome Forms

The BCR-ABL fusion gene is not inherited—it’s an acquired genetic mutation that occurs in bone marrow cells.

It results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22:

• Part of the ABL gene (chr 9) fuses with part of the BCR gene (chr 22)
• This creates the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) — the smallest chromosome
• The fusion gene produces BCR-ABL protein, a hyperactive tyrosine kinase that causes uncontrolled cell division

Key Facts:

• Not contagious or hereditary
• Cause unknown (not linked to lifestyle)
• Targeted by TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
• Quantitative PCR measures transcript levels (e.g., IS %)

This test is the gold standard for monitoring molecular response in CML.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring BCR/ABL Levels

Ignoring BCR/ABL levels can lead to:

⚠️ Progression to Accelerated or Blast Phase CML – aggressive, hard-to-treat
⚠️ Treatment Resistance – due to new mutations (e.g., T315I)
⚠️ Relapse After Remission – without monitoring
⚠️ Reduced Survival Rates – in advanced phases
⚠️ Need for Chemotherapy or Stem Cell Transplant – if TKIs fail

The good news? CML is manageable with:

• Daily oral TKIs (imatinib, dasatinib, etc.)
• Regular BCR/ABL monitoring
• Potential for treatment-free remission (TFR) in deep responders

Early and consistent testing = long-term control and near-normal life expectancy.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Continue your regular medications—especially your TKI
✅ Inform your doctor of:

• Current TKI and dosage
• Date of last dose
• Recent symptoms or infections

A whole blood sample in EDTA tube is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: Real-Time PCR Method

Report Includes:

• BCR/ABL % on International Scale (IS)
• Log reduction (e.g., 3-log = MR3)
• Molecular response level (e.g., MR4.5)
• Clinical interpretation for your oncologist

Note: Results are reported on the International Scale (IS) for global consistency.

Benefits of the BCR/ABL Quantitative Test

🔹 Precision Monitoring
Track disease at the molecular level.

🔹 Early Relapse Detection
Catch rising levels before clinical signs.

🔹 Guide Treatment Decisions
Support dose adjustments or switch to new TKIs.

🔹 Assess TFR Eligibility
Determine if you can safely stop medication.

🔹 Peace of Mind
Know your leukemia is under control.

If you’re living with CML or Ph+ ALL, the BCR/ABL Quantitative Test gives you the data you need in 8–10 days to stay ahead of your disease.