Question

Why is chronic myelogenous leukemia caused? Name the technique used to know the status of this disease.

Hint:

CML is caused by the BCR-ABL fusion gene from Philadelphia chromosome; FISH is used to detect and monitor it.

Answer 1

Cause: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is caused by a genetic abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome, which results from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, t(9;22)(q34;q11). This translocation creates a fusion gene called BCR-ABL that produces an abnormal tyrosine kinase protein. This protein leads to uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid cells causing leukemia. Technique to know disease status: The status of CML is monitored using the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique. FISH detects the presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene and the Philadelphia chromosome in patient cells, helping in diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.