Preleukemic Diseases of the Bone Marrow (Project E)

Author: Dr. med. Ralf Herold, Last modification: 2007/09/19

Characterization of Preleukemic Diseases of the Bone Marrow

Preleukemic bone marrow diseases can serve as a model for the study of leukemiogenesis, which is yet unknown in large parts. Oncogenetic methods include interphase cytogenetics and analysis of clonality based on polymorphisms of the androgen receptor gene or activated mutations in the ras oncogene. Because of its great importance in subgroups of children with solid tumours or leukemia, mutations in the G-CSF receptor and in Fanconi genes are studied in all patients with preleukemic diseases. At the same time normal regulation mechanisms of the cell, such as apoptosis and telomer length, are being examined. Included in these examinations are - among others - the patients of the EWOG-MDS 98 study (myelodysplastic syndrome), the SAA 94 study (major aplastic anemia), the SCNIR (Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry) , and the FA study (Fanconi anemia, planed) whose coordinators also the cooperative leaders of this project.