Combined multiplex and monoplex RT-PCR as a reliable and cost-effective method for molecular diagnostics of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The precise diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia is essential for correct prognosis assessment and therapy regimen selection. At present, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular screening are major and complementary methods utilized in a routine leukemia diagnostics. The aim of this study was to validate the application of multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for molecular diagnosis of the most common pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated fusion transcripts. Our data show that screening of bone marrow and/or peripheral blood by RT-PCR, consisting of multiplex and monoplex PCR, confirmed results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT qPCR). This screening may provide a reliable, specific and sensitive method amenable to standard laboratory practice and a cost-effective alternative to more complex and expensive RT qPCR techniques.