This month is Blood cancer awareness month. Here are some key facts about blood cancer in.
Every year 2000 people across Ireland are diagnosed with blood cancer.
- Types of Blood Cancer: There are three main types of blood cancer – leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Each type arises from different types of blood cells and has unique characteristics.
- Gender and age: Men are more commonly diagnosed with blood cancer, with the median age being 65.
- Risk factors: Genetic factors, exposure to radiation, smoking and certain viruses have been demonstrated to induce various types of blood cancer.
Blood cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer related deaths in Ireland, but thankfully due to new treatments and advancements in diagnostics survival rates are improving.
One of most notable diagnostic and prognostic markers is PML-RARA. PML-RARA is a fusion mutations that play a critical role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The abbreviation ‘PML-RARA’ stand for the two genes that are fused together to create this abnormal gene: PML (Promyelocytic Leukemia) and RARA (Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha).
In normal cells, both the PML and RARA genes have essential functions. PML is involved in processes like cell differentiation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and DNA repair. RARA, on the other hand, encodes a nuclear receptor that binds to retinoic acid and regulates gene expression related to cell growth, differentiation, and development.
However, in AML cases carrying the PML-RARA fusion gene, there is a chromosomal translocation that leads to the fusion of parts of the PML and RARA genes. This fusion results in a chimeric protein – the PML-RARA protein – which disrupts normal cellular functions. The PML-RARA protein interferes with myeloid cell differentiation and promotes the accumulation of immature promyelocytes in the bone marrow and blood. This accumulation of abnormal cells impairs normal blood cell production and can lead to the characteristic symptoms of APL, such as bleeding, fatigue, and an increased risk of infections.
MSC has partnered with Diatech Pharmacogenetics, a Leader in the development, production and commercialisation of pharmacogenetics tests for cancer precision medicine. Diatech has developed a range of diagnostic and prognostic tests for the identification of both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in blood cancers. In addition to PML-RARA, Diatech offer RT-PCR solutions for the detection of BCR-ABL, IDH-1/2, NMP1, AML1-ETO and CBFB-MYH11.
Why choose Diatech pharmacogenetics?
The EasyPGX Real-Time PCR System
- RT-PCR instrument with 96 wells peltier block
- Up to 6 LED optical channels • Integrated touch screen
- Automatic data analysis and interpretation software with the possibility to check raw data in one single software
- System complete of all accessory instrumentation needed for EasyPGX ready workflow
- CE-IVD
- LIMS connectivity
Discover Diatechs fast, lyophilized, ready to use CE-IVDR complient RT-PCR testing solutions for Haemoncology https://www.diatechpharmacogenetics.com/en/blood-cancer/
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