Novel molecular diagnostic and therapeutic targets in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

• Published in: European journal of clinical investigation Vol. 34; no. s2; pp. 25 - 30
• Main Authors: Gaiger, A., Heintel, D., Jäger, U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing, Ltd 01.08.2004; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Antigens, Surface; CLL; Gene Targeting; Genetic Markers; Genetic Therapy - methods; Genomics; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell - diagnosis; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell - therapy; microarray analysis; Microarray Analysis - methods; molecular markers; NF-kappa B - metabolism; Prognosis; prognostic factors; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases - metabolism; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 - metabolism; therapeutic targets; ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
• ISSN: 0014-2972; 1365-2362
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0960-135X.2004.01367.x

B‐cell lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) is an indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and the most frequent leukaemia. However, after many years, the incurable disease CLL has again become an exciting subject for research. Recently, both serum and molecular markers have been identified which could be used to predict the outcome of patients in early stages. With the advent of microarray analysis, novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets have been discovered. Here we describe the molecular strategies for target identification and validation. An evaluation of some established, and the most promising novel factors, with their diagnostic and prognostic applications is given. Potential therapeutic target molecules and their inhibitors are reviewed.