MedGenome launches Genetic Test for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

To enable prediction of the clinical course of the CLL, MedGenome has announced the launch of the IGHV gene mutation testing.ETHealthWorld  |  October 26, 2018, 11:12 IST
The status of SHM has clear influence on the median survival of CLL patients.
The status of SHM has clear influence on the median survival of CLL patients.
New Delhi, October 25, 2018: To enable prediction of the clinical course of the CLL, MedGenome has announced the launch of the IGHV gene mutation testing. Current guidelines for CLL management involves comprehensive molecular work-up that includes an some genetic tests performed on the patients’ blood or bone marrow sample, that enables oncologists to assess the prognosis of the disease subtype and further management of the disease by personalized therapy. Four important biomarker testing includes somatic hyper mutations (SHM) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes (IGHV), and somatic mutations of genes such as TP53, NOTCH1, and SF3B1.

Based on the SHM value, the disease is classified Mutated CLL (M-CLL) and Unmutated CLL (U-CLL). The status of SHM has clear influence on the median survival of CLL patients. Presence of SHM of the IGHV region is strongly predictive of a good prognosis, while lack of SHM predicts a poorer prognosis. Patients with an unmutated IGHV gene usually have a more aggressive disease and shorter overall survival. Patients with a mutated IGHV gene usually have a less aggressive disease, with longer overall survival.