Review Article
Interpreting Molecular Monitoring Results and International Standardization in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Stephanie Bauer, RN, MS, FNP-C, and Edie Romvari, RN, MS, FNP-C
From Bone Marrow Transplant Division in the School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Stephanie Bauer is a member of a speakers bureau for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and receives an honorarium. Edie Romvari has no disclosures to report.
Correspondence to: Stephanie Bauer, RN, MS, FNP-C, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Campus Box 8007, St. Louis, MO 63110. E-mail: SBauer@dom.wustl.edu
J Adv Pract Oncol 2012;3:151–160 |
DOI: 10.6004/jadpro.2012.3.3.3 |
© 2012 Harborside Press®
ABSTRACT
Important advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of chronic myeloid leukemia have resulted in the development of new therapies and changed the paradigm for managing this myeloproliferative disease. Translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22 (known as the Philadelphia chromosome) results in a fusion BCR-ABL gene that produces a dysregulated BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase protein and triggers events leading to malignant transformation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib block the BCR-ABL protein and prevent activation of the transformation pathways. Molecular monitoring, the most sensitive approach currently available to assess treatment response, measures BCR-ABL messenger RNA levels and serves as a surrogate marker of disease. Further, molecular responses are predictive of patient outcomes. It is important for advanced practitioners to become familiar with the technology and interpretation of molecular monitoring results as well as efforts to standardize this type of testing so they can educate their patients and aid their understanding of test results. Undetectable BCR-ABL levels can bring feelings of relief, whereas an increasing level can lead to anxiety. Advanced practitioners, therefore, are an important resource for interpreting results for patients, answering questions, alleviating concerns, and encouraging continued adherence to treatment.
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