MDM2 promoter SNP309 mutation and HS1 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: exploring their assumed prognostic value

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common forms of leukemia and thus research is required to identify cost-effective and efficient prognostic markers. Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the significance of MDM2 promoter SNP309 mutation and hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein 1 (HS1) expression in the prognosis of CLL. Patients and methods: Forty-eight newly diagnosed Egyptian CLL patients were clinically evaluated and assessed for MDM2 promoter SNP309 mutation, HS1 expression, ZAP-70 expression, 17p13 deletion, and 13q14 deletion. Thirty-one patients received chemotherapy, and the type of response to chemotherapy was observed. Results: The results showed that MDM2 promoter SNP309 mutation was associated with cytogenetic abnormalities, the need to receive chemotherapy, and the response to fludarabine/cyclophosphamide in treated patients. HS1 expression was not associated with any of the studied CLL characteristics at diagnosis. Moreover, no association was found between HS1 expression and the need to receive chemotherapy during the study period. However, a significant association between HS1 expression and the response to fludarabine/cyclophosphamide was found. Conclusion: The study concluded that, despite the opposing researchers’ reports, MDM2 promoter SNP309 mutation and HS1 expression are candidate prognostic markers for CLL patients awaiting a large-scale evaluation.