Surveying Mutation of FLT3 Genes in Children with Acute Leukemia

Background and purpose: Mutation of FMS like tyrosine kinase (flt3) gene causes uncontrolled proliferation of leukemic cells and a bad prognosis. The present study is aimed at implementing molecular tests to diagnose and screen the mutations in acute leukemia patients. Methodology: Totally, 91 children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) were examined as to flt3 mutation, internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation, and point mutation in exon 17 (e17). ITD mutation in flt3 receptor was carried out in exon 12 12 and intron 11. As to point mutation in e17, PCR products of the subjects after PCR on genomic DNA of them were examined using restriction enzyme (ECORV) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). As to ITD positive, sequencing method was used. Findings: ITD mutation was observed in seven (7.7%) of acute leukemia patients and two (2.2%) patients were diagnosed with point mutation D835. Distribution in different subgroups of FAB was not identical. Conclusion: FLT3 mutation was highly prevalent in children with acute leukemia. Therefore, molecular diagnosis of these mutation, regardless of FAB categorization and before initiation of intervention, can be used to make better decision about therapeutic protocol.