Diagnostic techniques and therapeutic challenges in patients with TP53 dysfunctional chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Aberrations of the TP53 pathway, whether by deletion or mutation, are increasingly recognized as one of the most important biological risk factors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Yet, there is little consensus on how to assess for TP53 defects in the clinic, and very few clinical studies to guide optimal management of such patients. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art in the assessment of the TP53 pathway, and review the evidence-base for therapeutic recommendations.

Keywords::

• Fludarabine
• rituximab
• fluorescence in situ hybridization
• 17p deletion

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Drs. Lynne V. Abruzzo, Daniel L. Van Dyke, Stephan Stilgenbauer, John Swansbury, Daniel Catovsky and Lynda Campbell for sharing their FISH techniques.

Potential conflict of interest

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