scholarly journals Diagnostic Validation of a Clinical Laboratory-Oriented Targeted RNA Sequencing System As a Comprehensive Assay for Hematologic Malignancies

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 38-39
Author(s):  
Ha Jin Lim ◽  
Jun Hyung Lee ◽  
Ju-Hyeon Shin ◽  
Seung Yeob Lee ◽  
Hyun-Woo Choi ◽  
...  

Introduction Targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a highly accurate method for sequencing transcripts of interest and can overcome limitations regarding resolution, throughput, and multistep workflow. However, RNA-seq has not been widely performed in clinical molecular laboratories due to the complexity of data processing and interpretation. We developed a customized targeted RNA-seq panel with a data processing protocol and validated its analytical performance for gene fusion detection using a subset of samples with different hematologic malignancies. Additionally, we investigated its applicability for identifying transcript variants and expression analysis using the targeted panel. Methods The target panel and customized oligonucleotide probes were designed to capture 84 genes associated with hematologic malignancies. Libraries were prepared from 800 to 1,500 ng of total RNA using GeneMediKit NGS-Leukemia-RNA kit (GeneMedica, Gwangju, Korea) and sequenced using Miseq reagent kit v3 (300 cycles) and MiseqDx (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). The diagnostic samples included one reference DNA (NA12878), one reference RNA (Cat no. 740000, Agilent Technologies), 14 normal peripheral blood (PB) samples, four validation bone marrow (BM) samples with known gene fusions, and 30 clinical BM or PB samples from seven categories of hematologic malignancies. The clinical samples included 27 BM aspirates and three PB samples composed of six acute myeloid leukemia, nine B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, four T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, three mature B-cell neoplasms, six MPN, one myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, and one myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and gene rearrangement. For the analytical validation of fusion detection, target gene coverage, between-run and within-run repeatability, and dilution tests (1:2 to 1:8 dilution) were performed. For the comparative analysis of fusion detection, the RNA-seq data were analyzed by STAR-Fusion and FusionCatcher and processed with stepwise filtering and prioritization strategy (Figure 1), and the result was compared to those of multiplex RT-PCR (HemaVision kit; DNA Technology, Aarhus, Denmark) or FISH (MetaSystems Gmbh, Althusseim, Germany) using 30 clinical samples. The RNA-seq data from clinical samples were additionally analyzed by FreeBayes for variant detection and by StringTie for expression profiling (Figure 1). Results First, the analytical validation showed reliable results in target gene coverage, between-run and within-run repeatability, and linearity tests. The uniformity of coverage (% of base pairs higher than 0.2 × total average depth) was calculated to be 99.8%, which revealed even coverage for the target genes in the panel using the reference DNA. Both in the within-run and between-run tests, the read counts and FFPM (fusion fragments per million) of all replicates showed reliable repeatability (r2 = 0.9655 and 0.9874, respectively). The FFPM of the diluted analytical samples including BCR-ABL1 and PML-RARA showed linear log2-fold-changes (r2 = 0.9852 and 0.9447, respectively). Second, compared to multiplex RT-PCR and FISH using 30 clinical samples, targeted RNA-seq combined with filtering and prioritization strategies detected all 13 known fusions and newly detected 17 fusions. Finally, 16 disease- and drug resistance-associated variants on the expressed transcripts of ABL1, GATA2, IKZF1, JAK2, RUNX1, and WT1 were simultaneously designated and expression analysis showed distinct four clusters of clinical samples according to the cancer subtypes and lineages. Conclusions Our customized targeted RNA-seq system provided a stable analytical performance and a more sensitive identification of gene fusions than conventional molecular methods in various clinical samples. In addition, clinically significant variants in the transcripts and expression profiling could be simultaneously identified directly from the RNA-seq data without the need for additional parallel testing. Our study identified the advantages of the clinical laboratory-oriented targeted RNA-seq system to enhance the diagnostic yield for gene fusion detection and to simplify the diagnostic steps as providing a comprehensive tool for analyzing hematologic malignancies in the clinical laboratory. Figure 1 Disclosures Lee: National Research Foundation of Korea: Research Funding.

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 67-67
Author(s):  
Kathryn G. Roberts ◽  
Ryan D Morin ◽  
Jinghui Zhang ◽  
Martin Hirst ◽  
Richard C. Harvey ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 67 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy, and relapsed B-lineage ALL remains a leading cause of cancer death in young people. Recent genomic analyses by our group and others identified a unique subtype of BCR-ABL-negative, high-risk B-ALL, with deletion or mutation of IKZF1 and a gene expression profile similar to BCR-ABL1-positive ALL (Ph-like ALL). Up to 50% of Ph-like patients harbor rearrangements of the cytokine receptor gene, CRLF2, with concomitant JAK mutations detected in ∼30%. However, the nature of genetic alterations activating kinase signaling in the remaining cases is unknown. To identify novel genetic alterations in Ph-like ALL, we performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) on 11 cases of Ph-like B-ALL (10 from the P9906 Children's Oncology Group trial and 1 from the St Jude Total XV study), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) on two of these. Using multiple complementary analysis pipelines including deFuse, Mosaik, CREST and CONSERTING, we identified novel rearrangements, structural variations and sequence mutations dysregulating cytokine receptor and kinase signaling in 10 cases. Putative rearrangements and sequence mutations were validated using RT-PCR, genomic PCR and Sanger sequencing. The spectrum of alterations included 3 cases with known IGH@CRLF2 rearrangement, 2 cases with the NUP214-ABL1 rearrangement, 1 case each with the in-frame fusions EBF1-PDGFRB, BCR-JAK2 or STRN3-JAK2, and 1 case with a cryptic IGH@-EPOR rearrangement. Detailed analysis of RNA-seq data revealed a 7.5 kb insertion of EPOR downstream of the enhancer domain in the IGH@ locus, which was not detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. WGS identified an in-frame activating insertion in the transmembrane domain of IL7R (L242>FPGVC) in 1 index case, and recurrence screening identified similar IL7R sequence mutations in 8 cases from the P9906 cohort (N=188). This patient also harbored a focal homozygous deletion removing the first two exons of SH2B3 that was not evident by SNP array analysis. SH2B3 encodes LNK, a negative regulator of JAK2 signaling. Notably, all patients harbor genetic lesions affecting B-lymphoid development (e.g IKZF1), suggesting these events cooperate to drive B-lineage ALL. To determine the frequency of each fusion, candidate RT-PCR was performed on 231 cases from the COG AALL0232 trial of high-risk B-ALL, 40 (17%) of which were identified as Ph-like using Predictor Analysis of Microarrays (PAM). The EBF1-PDGFRB fusion was detected in 3 additional patients, each containing an intact PDGFRB kinase domain. No additional cases of NUP214-ABL1, BCR-JAK2, or STRN3-JAK2 were identified. Phosphoflow analysis on 3 primary ALL samples demonstrated increased CKRL phosphorylation in the NUP214-ABL1 case and tyrosine phosphorylation in the cases with BCR-JAK2 and STRN3-JAK2 fusions. Importantly, this activation was reduced with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) imatinib, dasatinib and the T315I inhibitor XL228 in cells harboring the ABL1 fusion, and the JAK2 inhibitor, XL019, in the JAK2-rearranged samples. Furthermore, the novel EBF1-PDGFRB fusion transformed Ba/F3 cells to growth factor independence, induced constitutive activation of pSTAT5, pAkt, pERK1/2, and responded with low IC50 values to imatinib, dasatinib and the specific PDGFRB/FGFR inhibitor, dovitinib. Using complementary genomic approaches we show that rearrangements, sequence mutations and DNA copy number alterations dysregulating cytokine receptor and kinase signaling are a hallmark of Ph-like ALL. These data support the screening of patients at diagnosis to identify those with Ph-like ALL, characterize the genomic lesions driving this phenotype, and to determine those that may benefit from TKI treatment. Disclosures: Hunger: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Author's children own stock in BMS, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2515-2515
Author(s):  
Elena D'agostini ◽  
Giulia Minnucci ◽  
Giulia Amicarelli ◽  
Cinzia Pultrone ◽  
Veronica Tettamanzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2515 Background: The molecular identification of the BCRABL transcripts in clinical samples is actually based on a conventional Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR). Here we present a novel molecular method, based on Loop Mediated Amplification assay that, starting from RNA (RT-LAMP) in one single tube reaction ensures a rapid and simultaneous detection of either the BCR-ABL p190 or p210 fusion transcript as well as the housekeeping gene used as internal quality control. Methods: The BCR-ABL RT-LAMP is a multiplex, isothermal method for retro-transcription, amplification and detection of the Minor (p190) and Major (p210) t(9;22) transcripts and the endogenous Gusb RNA, as internal control for validation of negative results. The employment of fluorescent specific probes allows real-time monitoring of the reaction, so that the test result is obtained in a single, homogeneous step. RT-LAMP is carried out on the Liaison IAM, a 8-wells manageable instrument suitable for isothermal reactions. Liaison IAM incubates at constant temperature, monitors the fluorescent signals and the data produced can be analyzed, upon connection to up to 6 other instruments, for a throughput of 8 to 48 samples. Thanks to the three channels of fluorescence, it can monitor multiplex assays, providing elaborated final objective results with no need of further data analysis by the operator. Results: The level of sensitivity of the triplex BCR-ABL RT-LAMP has been analytically evaluated directly on serial dilutions of RNA extracted respectively from t(9;22) positive cell lines (TOM-1 for p190 or K-562 for p210) into wild type RNA from HL-60 cell line (30 replicates). The p190 and p210 transcripts have been detected and distinguished down to 10−4 and 10−5respectively within 50 minutes. The assay demonstrated 100% specificity since 70 replicates of wild type RNA from 7 cell lines resulted BCR-ABL negative and GUSb positive (internal amplification control). This assay was validated on 60 clinical samples (30 white blood cells RNA from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, 30 mononuclear cells RNA from B-lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). All these samples were obtained at diagnosis and were previously analyzed by conventional RT-PCR. RT-LAMP detected and identified the BCR-ABL fusion transcripts correctly in all cases with a 100% concordance with the reference method. Fully concordant results were obtained also on 30 RNA samples from patients affected by t(9;22) negative hematologic malignancies and on 30 RNA samples obtained from healthy donors in which the RT-LAMP amplified exclusively the housekeeping GUSb transcript. Conclusions: The triplex p190-p210-GUSb RT-LAMP is a one-step procedure for specific, highly sensitive and rapid molecular detection of the BCR-ABL fusion transcripts. The semi-automatic instrument Liaison IAM, simplifies the entire procedure, reduces the contamination risks deriving from the conventional, multi step RT-PCR and significantly improve the diagnostic lab routine. Disclosures: D'agostini: DIASORIN S.p.A: Employment. Minnucci:Diasorin S.p.A.: Employment. Amicarelli:DIASPRIN S.p.A.: Employment. Pultrone:DIASORIN S.p.A.: Employment. Tettamanzi:DIASORIN S.p.A.: Employment. Salmoiraghi:DIASORIN S.p.A.: Consultancy. Spinelli:DIASORIN S.p.A: Consultancy. Colotta:DIASORIN S.p.A: Employment. Rambaldi:DIASORIN S.p.A: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 1424-1424
Author(s):  
Chihiro Tomoyasu ◽  
Toshihiko Imamura ◽  
Mio Yano ◽  
Daisuke Asai ◽  
Meixian Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Genetic abnormalities are important to predict prognosis and sometimes can be therapeutic target in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Although the cell lines with recurrent chromosomal abnormalities or leukemic fusions derived from ALL patients are useful tool for various in vitro experiments, it has not been fully investigated whether there is the difference of genetic alterations between clinical samples and cell lines.Here, we performed MLPA analysis of 86 ALL cell lines to determine copy number abnormalities (CNA) and compare with those of the patient's clinical samples. Methods: We performed MLPA analysis of 86 cell lines of ALL (14 with BCR-ABL, 11 with MLL rearrangement, 18 with TCF3-PBX1, 4 with TCF3-HLF, 4 with ETV6-RUNX1 and 35 B-other ALL cell lines) to determine CNA of IKZF1, PAX5, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, ETV6, RB1, BTG1 and EBF1. Then, CNAs were compared to those of patients' samples such as UK cohort (Schwab C, et al. Haematologica, 2013) and Japanese cohort (Asai D, et al. Cancer Med, 2013) according to each specific genetic abnormality, such as BCR-ABL, ETV6-RUNX1, TCF3-PBX1 and MLL-related fusions. In addition, we performed multiplex PCR and RNA-seq to determine fusion transcripts related to Ph-like ALL for the six Ph-negative cell lines with IKZF1 deletions. To determine the expression level of IKZF1 isoform in these cell lines, we performed real time PCR analysis of IKZF1 isoform 1 (IK1) and isoform 6 (IK6). Results: In the BCR-ABL positive cell lines, the frequencies of CDKN2A/2B and BTG1 deletion significantly higher than those in UK cohort (CDKN2A/2B: 100 vs 48%, P <0.01, BTG1; 57 vs 3%, P<0.01). In the TCF3-PBX1 or ETV6-RUNX1 positive group, the frequencies of CDKN2A/2B and BTG1 deletion were increased, but did not obtain statistically significant difference. CNAs of transcriptional factors were not significantly different between cell lines and patient's samples in each genetic subtype. However, IKZF1 deletion tended to increase in BCR-ABL positive (13/14 vs 21/33 in UK cohort, P=0.07) and MLL rearranged cell lines (3/11 vs 2/28 in UK cohort and 0/12 in Japanese cohort, P=0.13 and 0.09). Interestingly, we determined six B other ALL cell lines with IKZF1 deletion. Multiplex PCR analysis determined 5 of six cell lines expressed P2RY8-CRLF2 which was confirmed by Sanger sequence. We also determined high expression of IK1 was observed in half of the BCR-ABL positive cell lines. In contrast, the expression level of IK1 was not increased in the cell lines other than BCR-ABL positive cell lines irrespective of IKZF1 deletion. Discussions: The current analysis revealed the high frequencies of CDKN2A/2B and BTG1 deletion in the BCR-ABL1 positive cell lines compared to those in patents' samples, suggesting that these genetic alterations contributed to the growth advantage. We also determined that CNAs of transcriptional factors were stable in cell lines. Although these findings suggest that CAN of transcriptional factors such as EBF1, PAX5 and ETV6 were less related to growth and survival of leukemic cells, the frequency of IKZF1 deletion tended to be higher in cell lines with BCR-ABL and MLL rearrangement, suggesting IKZF1 deletion might be related to survival of leukemic cells. We also found six B-other cell lines with IKZF1 deletion and determined 5 of the six cell lines expressing P2RY8-CRLF2 fusion. Currently, we are planning comprehensive genetic analysis of these six cell lines using target sequence and RNA-seq. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e22211-e22211
Author(s):  
Umar Farooq ◽  
Prashant Singh ◽  
Michael Gooch ◽  
Linda Burian ◽  
M. Melinda Sanders ◽  
...  

e22211 Background: FFPE is the worldwide clinical standard for preservation of tissue samples. Although CRYO tissues are widely used for research, most gene expression assays in clinical use analyze FFPE by RT-PCR. Use of RT-PCR limits numbers of transcripts that can be studied with material available. Next Generation Sequencing promises to overcome those limitations, but for FFPE, there are concerns related to its accuracy including bias associated with RNA truncated at the 3’ end. Little data is available illustrating the extent of truncation or considering implications for bioinformatics analysis of sequencing results. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from patient consented specimens of tumor and normal bladder tissue split with matching halves processed by CRYO and FFPE. Paired end sequencing libraries 100 bp in length were generated using Illumina TruSeq RNA sample kits with minor modifications for FFPE samples. Sequencing was performed on the Illumina HiSeq 2000, aligned with TopHat using the hg19 reference sequence, and further analyzed using open source bioinformatics tools. Results: Comparing Cryo and FFPE reads for a representative specimen, the proportion of reads that mapped to the reference genome were 69% and 63% for normal, and 66% and 63% for tumor specimens. Mapped reads yielded over 25,000 significantly expressed transcripts, isoforms, and splice variants. The extent of 3’ bias was investigated by viewing data in the Integrated Genome Viewer and using Picard tools. Preliminary estimates of 3’ bias in FFPE showed 2.22 for normal and 1.48 for tumor. After accounting for bias, transcripts in CRYO vs FFPE were significantly correlated for both normal tissue and tumor (R2 = 0.76 and 0.95, respectively). Mutations previously identified in these samples by SureSelect hybrid capture system (Agilent) were also observed in the RNA-seq data. Conclusions: FFPE samples can be successfully analyzed by RNA-Seq, allowing the analysis of standard clinical samples and vast quantities of richly annotated archival specimens. Results from CRYO and FFPE analyses are similar when performed using minor modifications to sequencing library preparation and careful attention to appropriate analysis.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 46-47
Author(s):  
Hui Yu ◽  
Yuxin DU ◽  
Ji Xu ◽  
Zhenchang Sun ◽  
Xiaorui Fu ◽  
...  

Mutations on NOTCH1 gene are the most commonly found mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and they are reported to be favorable indicators for T-ALL patients' prognosis. However, the effects of activating NOTCH1 mutations on T-ALL's chemosensitivity have not been studied. We reported that NOTCH1 inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitors or shRNA knockdown in MOLT-3 cells could reduce the T-ALL cells' sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, this effect was absent in Jurkat and CUTLL cells. We further demonstrated that NOTCH1 inhibition could activate the PI3K-AKT pathway in a cell specific pattern similar as their effects on chemosensitivity. RNA-seq revealed that Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate Dependent Rac Exchange Factor 2 (PREX2) is a target gene of NOTCH1 and may mediate the effects of activating NOTCH1 mutations on chemosensitivity. Consistently, we proved that overexpression of PREX2 could mimic the effects of NOTCH1 inhibition on chemosensitivity. Our study has highlighted the effects of activating NOTCH1 mutations on T-ALL's chemosensitivity by altering PREX2-AKT pathway, which may explain the favorable effects of NOTCH1 mutations on T-ALL patients' prognosis, as well as provided potential targets to alter T-ALL cells' chemosensitivity. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1875-1875
Author(s):  
Archana Ramesh ◽  
Samuel Koo ◽  
Soo Jin Kang ◽  
Abhisek Ghosal ◽  
Francys Alarcon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and accounts for about a quarter of adult acute leukemias. Current NCCN recommendations for clinical testing for risk stratification and treatment guidance include karyotyping, FISH testing for translocations, and RT-PCR for gene fusions and sequencing for DNA mutations detection. Most NGS based approaches test DNA mutations and RNA fusions separately, thereby requiring higher input material and multiple workflows adding to the cost and turn-around-time. An NGS based assay for the detection of DNA variants (NeoGenomics Heme NGS assay) in heme malignancies using Total Nucleic Acid (TNA) is already available in our clinical laboratory and complements FISH based fusion detection and karyotyping but an integral assay to detect both DNA and RNA alterations with a simple workflow for ALL is needed. Methods: We used TNA or RNA spiked-in with DNA to simulate TNA samples, extracted from 93 bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from patients and healthy donors, along with commercial fusion reference myeloid samples Seraseq Myeloid Fusion RNA Mix (SeraCare Inc.) controls. DNA/RNA libraries were prepared using a custom amplicon based Multimodal NGS panel (Qiagen Inc.) targeting 297 genes and 213 genes (select exons) for DNA and RNA fusion detection, respectively. The enriched dual indexed amplicon libraries were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000. The sequence data was processed with a customized bioinformatic pipeline for DNA variant as well as a novel machine learning algorithm for RNA fusion detection. We analyzed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability for clinical use. The DNA variants were orthogonally confirmed using other NGS assays, and the RNA fusions were confirmed on an RNA-seq Archer assay or RT-Sanger confirmation assays. Results: Here, we developed and validated a single tube comprehensive NGS panel using a custom multimodal chemistry that uses TNA as input for simultaneous dual detection of DNA and RNA abnormalities in ALL patients' samples. We performed the analytical validation of our Heme NGS assay for the RNA panel to detect fusions in ALL, using TNA input for comprehensive DNA and RNA mutation detection. The fusion concordance was 95% for the RNA fusion panel. The assay detected BCR-ABL1 (7/7), ETV6-RUNX1 (1/1), KMT2A fusions (4/5), TCF3-PBX1 (1/1), and PCM1-JAK2(1/1). The specificity was determined at 100% using a set of 42 fusion negative samples. The limit of detection (LOD) was analyzed using serial dilutions to up to 3 log reduction (LR) using a the Seraseq Myeloid Fusion sample. The fusions were detected down to 1 LR. The reproducibility was tested using a positive fusion and Seraseq samples across three runs and was reported at 100%. Next, a small cohort of ALL samples (n=8) was included as part of this study to simultaneously evaluate DNA and RNA mutations. We detected pathogenic DNA variants in genes previously reported in ALL that included NOTCH1, PTEN, FLT3, IKZF1, JAK1, JAK2, KRAS, NF1, PAX5, U2AF1, TP53, and also RNA fusion BCR-ABL1, and the results were confirmed by an orthogonal NGS assay (NexCourse and RNA-Seqv1 for fusions). One sample carrying a BCR-ABL1 fusion (detected by RNA panel) also harbored mutations in IKZF1 in DNA (detected by DNA panel) that is reported as unfavorable prognostic biomarker for Ph-Like ALL demonstrating comprehensive panel could identify multiple variants within the same sample, demonstrating the advantage DNA+RNA testing has over the classical single gene FISH/RT-PCR testing for the efficient risk stratification and treatment in ALL patients. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that the single tube TNA based NeoGenomics NGS assay can simultaneously detect the DNA and RNA biomarkers associated with ALL for improved diagnostic and prognostic recommendations. The single-tube assay for detection of both RNA fusions and DNA variants using the same sample could offer comprehensive and cost-effective solution for clinical laboratory test for ALL patient care. This is a promising approach that might be used as a dual DNA/RNA alterations detection on other hematological neoplasia. Disclosures Ramesh: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Koo: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Kang: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Ghosal: NeoGenomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Alarcon: NeoGenomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Gyuris: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Jung: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Magnan: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Nam: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Thomas: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Fabunan: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Petersen: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Lopez-Diaz: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Bender: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Agersborg: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment. Ye: Neo Genomics Laboratories: Current Employment. Funari: NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.: Current Employment.


1986 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 1857-1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
B D Cheson ◽  
D M Jasperse ◽  
R Simon ◽  
M A Friedman

We reviewed 53 publications reporting 751 patients with hematologic malignancies treated with low doses (5 to 20 mg/m2/d) of cytosine arabinoside (LoDAC). Of 507 patients evaluable for response, complete remission (CR) rates varied from 32% for patients with primary acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (1 degree ANLL) to 16% for patients with hematologic malignancies secondary to previous chemotherapy or following a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (2 degrees ANLL), and 16% for MDS. Median duration of CR was 9.5 months for 1 degree ANLL, and 10.5 months for both 2 degrees ANLL and MDS. Based on limited available survival data, overall median survival for these groups was 9 months, 3 months, and 15 months, respectively. Only three CRs were reported of 31 evaluable patients treated for a variety of other hematologic malignancies. CR rates for patients with 1 degree ANLL greater than or equal to 50 years old was 56%, compared with 29% less than 50 years old (P = .10). While prior chemotherapy was more common in 1 degree ANLL patients less than 50 years of age (86% v 21%; P less than .001), it did not influence response rates in those greater than 50 years of age, suggesting other biases. Hematologic toxicity was mentioned in only 33 of 53 publications, affecting 254 of 289 patients (88%), with at least 15% treatment-related deaths. LoDAC hypothetically acts as a differentiating agent; however, correlative laboratory studies were rarely performed. Cytogenetic data were available for only 15%, and in vitro studies for 10% of all patients with marked discrepancies in the interpretation of results. LoDAC is clearly cytotoxic for both malignant and normal hematopoietic cells. While large numbers of patients have been reported, the lack of well-designed clinical trials prohibits definitive conclusions as to its role as a differentiating agent. Future LoDAC studies should determine optimal dose and schedule, with clinical laboratory correlates to assess differentiation. Trials in ANLL comparing LoDAC with conventional chemotherapy, and in MDS with supportive care alone, may help identify the role of LoDAC. Until appropriate indications can be identified, LoDAC should not be routinely used in clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie LaHaye ◽  
James R. Fitch ◽  
Kyle J. Voytovich ◽  
Adam C. Herman ◽  
Benjamin J. Kelly ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundPediatric cancers typically have a distinct genomic landscape when compared to adult cancers and frequently carry somatic gene fusion events that alter gene expression and drive tumorigenesis. Sensitive and specific detection of gene fusions through the analysis of next-generation-based RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data is computationally challenging and may be confounded by low tumor cellularity or underlying genomic complexity. Furthermore, numerous computational tools are available to identify fusions from supporting RNA-Seq reads, yet each algorithm demonstrates unique variability in sensitivity and precision, and no clearly superior approach currently exists. To overcome these challenges, we have developed an ensemble fusion calling approach to increase the accuracy of identifying fusions.ResultsOur ensemble fusion detection approach utilizes seven fusion calling algorithms: Arriba, CICERO, FusionMap, FusionCatcher, JAFFA, MapSplice, and STAR-Fusion, which are packaged as a fully automated pipeline using Docker and AWS serverless technology. This method uses paired end RNA-Seq sequence reads as input, and the output from each algorithm is examined to identify fusions detected by a consensus of at least three algorithms. These consensus fusion results are filtered by comparison to an internal database to remove likely artifactual fusions occurring at high frequencies in our internal cohort, while a “known fusion list” prevents failure to report known pathogenic events. We have employed the ensemble fusion-calling pipeline on RNA-Seq data from 229 patients with pediatric cancer or blood disorders studied under an IRB-approved protocol. The samples consist of 138 central nervous system tumors, 73 solid tumors, and 18 hematologic malignancies or disorders. The combination of an ensemble fusion-calling pipeline and a knowledge-based filtering strategy identified 67 clinically relevant fusions among our cohort (diagnostic yield of 29.3%), including RBPMS-MET, BCAN-NTRK1, and TRIM22-BRAF fusions. Following clinical confirmation and reporting in the patient’s medical record, both known and novel fusions provided medically meaningful information.ConclusionsOur ensemble fusion detection pipeline offers a streamlined approach to discover fusions in cancer, at higher levels of sensitivity and accuracy than single algorithm methods. Furthermore, this method accurately identifies driver fusions in pediatric cancer, providing clinical impact by contributing evidence to diagnosis and, when appropriate, indicating targeted therapies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuiyan Wu ◽  
You Jiang ◽  
Yi Hong ◽  
Xinran Chu ◽  
Zimu Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive disease with a high risk of induction failure and poor outcomes, with relapse due to drug resistance. Recent studies show that bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors are promising anti-cancer agents. ARV-825, comprising a BET inhibitor conjugated with cereblon ligand, was recently developed to attenuate the growth of multiple tumors in vitro and in vivo. However, the functional and molecular mechanisms of ARV-825 in T-ALL remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of ARV-825 in T-ALL. Methods Expression of the BRD4 were determined in pediatric T-ALL samples and differential gene expression after ARV-825 treatment was explored by RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. T-ALL cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay after ARV-825 administration. Cell cycle was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI staining. BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2 proteins were detected by western blot in cells treated with ARV-825. The effect of ARV-825 on T-ALL cells was analyzed in vivo. The functional and molecular pathways involved in ARV-825 treatment of T-ALL were verified by western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results BRD4 expression was higher in pediatric T-ALL samples compared with T-cells from healthy donors. High BRD4 expression indicated a poor outcome. ARV-825 suppressed cell proliferation in vitro by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, with elevated poly-ADP ribose polymerase and cleaved caspase 3. BRD4, BRD3, and BRD2 were degraded in line with reduced cereblon expression in T-ALL cells. ARV-825 had a lower IC50 in T-ALL cells compared with JQ1, dBET1 and OTX015. ARV-825 perturbed the H3K27Ac-Myc pathway and reduced c-Myc protein levels in T-ALL cells according to RNA-seq and ChIP. In the T-ALL xenograft model, ARV-825 significantly reduced tumor growth and led to the dysregulation of Ki67 and cleaved caspase 3. Moreover, ARV-825 inhibited cell proliferation by depleting BET and c-Myc proteins in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions BRD4 indicates a poor prognosis in T-ALL. The BRD4 degrader ARV-825 can effectively suppress the proliferation and promote apoptosis of T-ALL cells via BET protein depletion and c-Myc inhibition, thus providing a new strategy for the treatment of T-ALL.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2683
Author(s):  
Princess D. Rodriguez ◽  
Hana Paculova ◽  
Sophie Kogut ◽  
Jessica Heath ◽  
Hilde Schjerven ◽  
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Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise a diverse class of non-protein coding transcripts that regulate critical cellular processes associated with cancer. Advances in RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) have led to the characterization of non-coding RNA expression across different types of human cancers. Through comprehensive RNA-Seq profiling, a growing number of studies demonstrate that ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNA), play central roles in progenitor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) pathogenesis. Furthermore, due to their central roles in cellular homeostasis and their potential as biomarkers, the study of ncRNAs continues to provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of B-ALL. This article reviews the ncRNA signatures reported for all B-ALL subtypes, focusing on technological developments in transcriptome profiling and recently discovered examples of ncRNAs with biologic and therapeutic relevance in B-ALL.


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