HAEM4Backup:Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with BCR-ABL1
Primary Author(s)*
Kay Weng Choy MBBS, Monash Medical Centre
Cancer Category/Type
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Cancer Sub-Classification / Subtype
AML with BCR-ABL1
Definition / Description of Disease
AML with BCR-ABL1 is a rare subtype of AML that is now included as a provisional entity under the heading of “AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities” in the 2016 revised World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid malignancies[1]. It must be distinguished from myeloid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-MBC) and mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) with BCR-ABL1, which are separate entities in the WHO classification. The t(9:22)(q34.1;q11.2) results in the formation of the Philadelphia chromosome and the chimeric BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. It is worth noting that the fusion gene is the cytogenetic hallmark of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and is frequently found in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Table [adapted from [2]] - Differentiating CML-MBC from AML with BCR-ABL1
| CML-MBC | AML with BCR-ABL1 |
|---|---|
| Previous blood disorder, idiopathic leucocytosis | No previous blood disorder |
| Splenomegaly | No splenomegaly |
| Basophilia (≥2%) | No basophilia |
| ~100% marrow cellularity | <100% marrow cellularity (median 80%) |
| Typical AML blast crisis phenotype | Aberrant CD19, CD7 and TdT more common |
| Ph+ in ~100% of cells | Ph+ in <100% of cells |
| P210 transcript in >99% of cases | p190 and p210 detected in nearly equal distribution |
| Loss of IKZF1 and CDKN2A and cryptic deletions within IGH and TCR genes |
Most cases which carry the BCR-ABL1 fusion have been described as de novo AML; there are only a few cases described where acquisition of the Philadelphia chromosome upon disease relapse or transformation of antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome into AML occurred[3]. Based on one model of leukemogenesis in which two driver mutations are required (a class-II mutation, conferring inhibition of differentiation and apoptosis, and a class-I mutation conferring a proliferative advantage), BCR-ABL1 is likely to represent a class-I mutation[3].
Synonyms / Terminology
Not applicable
Epidemiology / Prevalence
It is reported that up to 3% of all AML carry BCR-ABL1 fusions. The overall incidence is mainly estimated from larger case series without any standardized definition[3].
Clinical Features
Little is known about the characteristics clinical features of BCR-ABL1 positive AML. In contrast to CML, BCR-ABL1 positive AML has no antecedent hematologic disease/abnormality and no splenomegaly. Unexplained leucocytosis and/or splenomegaly point towards the diagnosis of CML myeloid blast crisis (CML-MBC) than AML[3]. Soupir et al. reported 16 cases of BCR-ABL1 positive AML, noting there was some overlap phenotypically and morphologically with CML myeloid blast crisis, but BCR-ABL1 positive AML cases presented less often with splenomegaly, lacked basophilia and had lower bone marrow cellularity[4].
Sites of Involvement
Bone marrow
Morphologic Features
BCR-ABL1 positive AML features include myeloid blasts >20% found in the bone marrow, below a blast count of 20% the WHO classification currently describes diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 AML as controversial. It is helpful to note several features that may help in the differential diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 positive AML: basophilia (>2% in white blood cells) strongly diminishes the probability of de novo AML (most cases of BCR-ABL1 positive AML are de novo AML); prior signs of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in peripheral blood or bone marrow may support the diagnosis of secondary AML[3].
Immunophenotype
Co-expression of lymphoid markers have been reported in BCR-ABL1 positive cases. Atfy et al., reported an aberrant lymphoid co-expression in seven of nine BCR-ABL1 positive AML cases[5]. Soupir et al. reported that there was no significant difference in the blast immunophenotype by flow cytometry between the BCR-ABL positive AML and CML-MBC cases. In nearly all cases in both groups, the blasts expressed CD13, CD33, and CD34[4]. However, compared to CML-MBC, aberrant CD19, CD7 and TdT have been found to be more common in BCR-ABL1 positive AML[2].
| Finding | Marker |
|---|---|
| Positive (universal) | Myeloid antigens (CD13 and CD33), CD34 |
| Positive (subset) | CD19, CD7, TdT |
| Negative (universal) | |
| Negative (subset) |
Chromosomal Rearrangements (Gene Fusions)
The t(9:22)(q34.1;q11.2) results in the formation of the Ph chromosome and the chimeric BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. In AML, the most common BCR-ABL1 transcripts p190 and p210 have been detected in nearly equal distribution[3]. Since p190 is very rare in CML (p210 transcripts in >99% of cases), the presentation with a p190 transcript is in favour of the diagnosis of AML rather than CML[2].
| Chromosomal Rearrangement | Genes in Fusion (5’ or 3’ Segments) | Pathogenic Derivative | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) | 3'ABL1 / 5'BCR | der(22) | <3% of AML |
Characteristic Chromosomal Aberrations / Patterns
In AML, BCR-ABL1 has been described together with different class II aberrations such as CBFB-MYH11, RUNX1- RUNX1T1 and PML-RARA[3]. In AML, BCR-ABL1 seems to cooperate with several AML-specific aberrations such as inv(16), t(8;21) and myelodysplasia-related cytogenetic aberrations[3][6]. (For diagnostic purpose, note that inv(16) is not restricted to AML and can also be found in CML-MBC).
Genomic Gain/Loss/LOH
AML with BCR-ABL1 carries unique genome imbalances. Nacheva et al., used array comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) to perform a comparative study between several BCR-ABL1 positive entities. BCR-ABL1 positive AML displays characteristic of lymphoid disease (found in BCR-ABL1 positive ALL and CML): deletions of IKZF1 and/or CDKN2A/B genes were recurrent findings in BCR-ABL1 positive AML as well as cryptic deletions within the immunoglobulin IGH and T cell receptor gene (TRG alpha) complexes[7]. Importantly, these aberrations were found to be absent in CML-MBC and hence they are potentially a helpful diagnostic tool for difficult cases.
Most cases will have monosomy 7, trisomy 8 or complex karyotypes in addition to the t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2)[1].
| Chromosome Number | Gain/Loss/Amp/LOH | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Loss | chr7 |
| 8 | Gain | chr8 |
Gene Mutations (SNV/INDEL)
Coinciding molecular events such as NPM1 mutations have been reported[2].
| Gene | Mutation | Oncogene/Tumor Suppressor/Other | Presumed Mechanism (LOF/GOF/Other; Driver/Passenger) | Prevalence (COSMIC/TCGA/Other) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPM1 |
Other Mutations
| Type | Gene/Region/Other |
|---|---|
| Concomitant Mutations | |
| Secondary Mutations | |
| Mutually Exclusive |
Epigenomics (Methylation)
Not applicable
Genes and Main Pathways Involved
The BCR gene product has serine/threonine kinase activity and is a GTPase-activating protein for p21rac[8]. The ABL1 gene is a proto-oncogene that encodes a protein tyrosine kinase involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell division, adhesion, differentiation, and response to stress. The activity of this protein is negatively regulated by its SH3 domain, whereby deletion of the region encoding this domain results in an oncogene[9]. The t(9,22)(q34;q11) leads to the formation of a Philadelphia chromosome and generates an active chimeric BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase. The fusion gene is created by juxtaposing the ABL1 gene on chromosome 9 (region q34) to a part of BCR (breakpoint cluster region) gene on chromosome 22 (region q11). This is a reciprocal translocation, creating an elongated chromosome 9 (der 9), and a truncated chromosome 22 (the Philadelphia chromosome, 22q-), the oncogenic BCR-ABL1 being found on the shorter derivative 22 chromosome[10][11]. This gene encodes for a BCR-ABL1 fusion protein, a tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine kinase activities are typically regulated in an auto-inhibitory manner, but the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene codes for a protein that is continuously activated, causing unregulated cell division. This is a result of the replacement of the myristoylated cap region which causes a conformational change rendering the kinase domain inactive, with a truncated portion of the BCR protein[12]. The enzyme is responsible for the uncontrolled growth of leukemic cells which survive better than normal blood cells. As a result of BCR/ABL1 variable splicing (fusion RNA and hybrid proteins), two transcripts p190 and p210 are found for BCR-ABL1 positive AML.
Diagnostic Testing Methods
Bone marrow with myeloid blasts >20% combined with detection of t(9,22) by karytoype analysis or BCR-ABL1 using FISH or reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)[3]. A graphic of the clinical path for the differential diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 positive acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia-myeloid blast crisis (CML-MBC) is presented[3].
Clinical Significance (Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapeutic Implications)
BCR-ABL1 positive AML is an emerging entity. The proliferation of BCR-ABL1 positive blasts present a diagnostic dilemma. While it may be difficult, it is essential to distinguish between BCR-ABL1 positive AML and CML-MBC, in order to choose the most appropriate therapy (e.g., intensive induction chemotherapy versus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) followed by an early allogeneic stem cell transplant). After the exclusion of acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage (a separate entity according to WHO) by flow cytometry, it is helpful to note any past history of antecedent hematological disease. Absence of basophilia and absence of splenomegaly favour the diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 positive AML (over CML-MBC). The detection of p190 transcript and the occurrence of any BCR-ABL1 transcript in less than 100% of metaphases supports the diagnosis of AML rather than CML. Persistent CCyR (Complete Cytogenetic Response) after conventional chemotherapy is unusual for CML-MBC and supports the diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 positive AML[3].
The overall prognosis of BCR-ABL1 positive AML is generally unfavourable. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for AML categorise this entity into the poor-risk group, comparable with complex aberrant karyotype AML[13]. It appears that the prognosis of BCR-ABL1 positive AML depends more on the genetic background (concurrent aberrations) than on BCR-ABL1 itself. Unlike in CML, BCR-ABL1 does not appear to be the key driver in AML though may provide a proliferative advantage to a particular BCR-ABL1 positive subclone There is currently no standardized treatment approach for BCR-ABL1 positive AML. Therapy with TKI alone does not produce sustained responses in BCR-ABL1 positive AML. This may be due to a very rapid clonal evolution, resulting in resistance in a much higher proportion of patients and in a significantly shorter time than in CML[3].
Familial Forms
Not applicable
Other Information
Not applicable
Links
Vogel A, et al. Acute Myeloid Leukemia with BCR-ABL1. SH2017-0299. Presentation at Society for Hematopathology / European Association for Haematopathology (SH/EAHP) 2017 Workshop. https://www.sh-eahp.org/images/2017_Workshop/3_3SH-EAHP%202017_AML%20with%20BCR-ABL1_%20AV%20FINAL.pdf (accessed 29th June 2018)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Arber DA, et al., (2017). Acute myeloid leukaemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities, in World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, Revised 4th edition. Swerdlow SH, Campo E, Harris NL, Jaffe ES, Pileri SA, Stein H, Thiele J, Arber DA, Hasserjian RP, Le Beau MM, Orazi A, and Siebert R, Editors. Revised 4th Edition. IARC Press: Lyon, France, p140.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Arber DA, et al., (2017). Acute Myeloid Leukemia, in Hematopathology, 2nd Edition. Jaffe E, Arer DA, Campo E, Harris NL, and Quintanilla-Fend L, Editors. Elsevier:Philadelphia, PA, p817-846.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 Neuendorff, Nina Rosa; et al. (2016). "BCR-ABL-positive acute myeloid leukemia: a new entity? Analysis of clinical and molecular features". Annals of Hematology. 95 (8): 1211–1221. doi:10.1007/s00277-016-2721-z. ISSN 1432-0584. PMID 27297971.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Soupir, Chad P.; et al. (2007). "Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia: a rare aggressive leukemia with clinicopathologic features distinct from chronic myeloid leukemia in myeloid blast crisis". American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 127 (4): 642–650. doi:10.1309/B4NVER1AJJ84CTUU. ISSN 0002-9173. PMID 17369142.
- ↑ Atfy, Maha; et al. (2011). "Incidence of Philadelphia-chromosome in acute myelogenous leukemia and biphenotypic acute leukemia patients: And its role in their outcome". Leukemia Research. 35 (10): 1339–1344. doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2011.04.011. ISSN 1873-5835. PMID 21612824.
- ↑ Bacher, Ulrike; et al. (2011). "Subclones with the t(9;22)/BCR-ABL1 rearrangement occur in AML and seem to cooperate with distinct genetic alterations". British Journal of Haematology. 152 (6): 713–720. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08472.x. ISSN 1365-2141. PMID 21275954.
- ↑ Nacheva, Ellie P.; et al. (2013). "Does BCR/ABL1 positive acute myeloid leukaemia exist?". British Journal of Haematology. 161 (4): 541–550. doi:10.1111/bjh.12301. ISSN 1365-2141. PMID 23521501.
- ↑ Maru, Y.; et al. (1991). "The BCR gene encodes a novel serine/threonine kinase activity within a single exon". Cell. 67 (3): 459–468. doi:10.1016/0092-8674(91)90521-y. ISSN 0092-8674. PMID 1657398.
- ↑ Wang, Jean Y. J. (2014). "The capable ABL: what is its biological function?". Molecular and Cellular Biology. 34 (7): 1188–1197. doi:10.1128/MCB.01454-13. ISSN 1098-5549. PMC 3993570. PMID 24421390.
- ↑ Kurzrock, Razelle; et al. (2003). "Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias: from basic mechanisms to molecular therapeutics". Annals of Internal Medicine. 138 (10): 819–830. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-138-10-200305200-00010. ISSN 1539-3704. PMID 12755554.
- ↑ Melo, J. V. (1996). "The diversity of BCR-ABL fusion proteins and their relationship to leukemia phenotype". Blood. 88 (7): 2375–2384. ISSN 0006-4971. PMID 8839828.
- ↑ Nagar, Bhushan; et al. (2003). "Structural basis for the autoinhibition of c-Abl tyrosine kinase". Cell. 112 (6): 859–871. doi:10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00194-6. ISSN 0092-8674. PMID 12654251.
- ↑ O’Donnell MR, Tallman MS, (2016). NCCN Clinical Practise Guidelines in Oncology: AML. Version 1. Available at: NCCN.org.
Notes
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