Translational Research

Cytogenetics and molecular biology are now mandatory for all patients with AML or MDS. A broad molecular analysis is linked to each clinical trial permitting identification of new prognostic molecular markers, and the development of RNA, DNA and frozen cell banks allows for better adherence to these programs. Systematic evaluation of TCR or IgH gene rearrangements is planned in the next EORTC/HOVON adult ALL trial.

The LG TET2 project (“Prognostic impact of mutations and correlation with known genetic defects of the novel oncogene/tumor suppressor TET2 in de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients: translational research study of the EORTC phase III study 06991”) presented by S. Langemeijer and J. Jansen (Nijmegen, Netherland) at the 2009 EGAM meeting and granted by the EORTC Board, was performed, so far, on the samples of four main EORTC centers. The results will be available soon.