Sequencing Systems Resolve Blood Cancer Mutations

A study of more than 4,000 cancer cases demonstrated the potential of next generation sequencing systems to comprehensively characterize an individual’s blood cancer type to guide personalized therapy decisions.

A consortium of 26 laboratories from 13 countries in Europe and Asia performed comprehensive analysis of 74 genes in individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The international consortium is being led by scientists from the Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL; Germany).


Based on Roche's (Basel, Switzerland) 454 Sequencing Systems, the study demonstrated that the advanced technology supported the comprehensive molecular characterization of hematological malignancies with high sensitivity and specificity. The study was presented at American Society of Hematology Meeting in Atlanta (GA, USA), December 2012.

The current study is an extension of a previous IRON study, which demonstrated the robustness, precision, and reproducibility of next generation sequencing with 454 Sequencing Systems for characterization of key genes associated with leukemia. It broadens the set of genes from 3 to 74 with a new expanded set of investigative primer plates.

“We are pleased with the results of the international study, which continues to evaluate the unique value of 454 Sequencing Systems in blood cancer research,” said Thomas Schinecker, president of 454 Life Sciences, a Roche Company. “We are strongly supporting the community with the development of standardized gene panels for molecular characterization of hematological malignancies, which is an important step towards future routine clinical use.”

Related Links:
Munich Leukemia Laboratory
Roche