Course Description

Leukemia is characterized by abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic cells as the result of underlying genetic lesions. Leukemia is typically diagnosed via abnormal results on a full blood count followed by examination of a blood film. The diagnosis is usually confirmed on a bone marrow aspirate and/or trephine biopsy looking at cell morphology and bone marrow architecture. Additional techniques that may be used to further classify the type of leukemia include flow cytometric immunophenotyping and genetic analysis. Molecular methods are increasingly employed to help refine diagnosis, establish prognosis and determine the most appropriate treatment, including rational therapies targeting the underlying genetic lesion.

This training aims to highlight some of the molecular techniques commonly used in the diagnosis of leukemia using relevant examples. Lab work includes using conventional PCR to detect different translocations in leukemia patient and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) to monitor patient response to chemotherapy

Course Structure

• Classification & Types of Leukemia.

• Types of samples used to test for Leukemia.

• Lab tests used to diagnose & classify leukemia.

• Molecular Diagnosis of Leukemia.

• Philadelphia chromosome & Leukemia.

• Monitoring patient response to chemotherapy using molecular Techniques.