TECHNIQUES FOR TREATING ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL)

摘要

The invention is based on the discovery of certain new somatic single nucleotide substitution mutations of NT5C2 gene variants found in some Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) relapse subjects. Techniques include obtaining a biological sample taken from a subject having ALL, and detecting the presence or absence in the biological sample of a biomarker selected from the group consisting of an NT5C2 gene mutation, an mRNA transcribed from the NT5C2 gene mutation, or a protein encoded by the NT5C2 gene mutation. The method also includes determining that the subject has increased resistance to treatment with 6-mercaptopurine or 6-thioguanine, if the biomarker is detected. In some embodiments, the method still further includes treating the subject with a nucleoside analog other than 6-mercaptopurine or 6-thioguanine if the biomarker is detected.