White cells 2: impact of understanding the molecular basis of haematological malignant disorders on clinical practice Review Article

• The molecular basis of many leukaemias is now known, allowing precise diagnosis. • Treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia is now possible by targeting of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. • The underlying molecular abnormalities in acute leukaemias allow the outlook for individual patients to be assessed at diagnosis and therapy tailored accordingly. • Analysis of VH genes in B-cell malignant disorders allows these to be placed in the hierarchy of B-cell development and may provide prognostically valuable information.