A 5-year-old patient has been diagnosed with Pre-B-cell ALL. Routine cytogenetic analysis confirms the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. What does this mean for the patient?
A) The patient is in remission.
B) The patient has relapsed.
C) The patient has a poor prognosis.
D) More aggressive treatment is needed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Philadelphia chromosome is a genetic abnormality found in some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is associated with a poor prognosis. It results from a translocation of genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22, leading to the creation of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. This gene produces a protein that promotes the growth and survival of cancer cells. Patients with ALL who have the Philadelphia chromosome generally require more aggressive treatment and have a higher risk of treatment failure and relapse.

A 5-Year-Old Patient Has Been Diagnosed with Pre-B-Cell ALL