Clinicodemographic Profile of BCR: ABL1-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Open Access

Abstract

Background: The BCR:ABL1 fusion gene resulting from the Philadelphia chromosome translocation is the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Early diagnosis through hematological and molecular investigations is essential for prompt initiation of targeted therapy and improved outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and hematological characteristics of BCR:ABL1 (p210)-positive CML patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 patients with confirmed BCR:ABL1-positive CML attending the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2023 to June 2023. Results: A total of 45 patients with BCR-ABL (p210 kDa) positive CML were evaluated, with the highest frequency observed in the 35-44 years age group. Hemoglobin levels ranged from 12.2 g/dL to 16.9 g/dL, with a mean value of 10.44 ± 2.48 g/dL. The majority of patients (57.79%) had hemoglobin levels between 7 g/dL and 11 g/dL. Leukocyte counts exceeding 100×10⁹/L were observed in 48.89% of cases. Platelet counts ranged from 16×10⁹/L to 2100×10⁹/L, with a mean value of 409.13 ± 380.52×10⁹/L. Most patients presented during the chronic phase of the disease with less than 10% peripheral blood blasts. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that CML in Bangladesh is more commonly diagnosed among younger and middle-aged adults compared with Western reports. Patients showed variable hematological abnormalities, particularly leukocytosis and moderate anemia. Molecular detection of BCR:ABL1 transcripts by qPCR remains essential for accurate diagnosis and characterization of CML.