Frequencies of BCR::ABL1 Transcripts in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome and distinct BCR::ABL1 gene transcripts. We assessed the frequencies of these transcripts in Mexico, Latin America, and worldwide. We determined the prevalence of BCR::ABL1 transcripts in CML patients and intercontinental or regional variations using specialized databases and keywords. We analyzed 34 studies from 20 countries, encompassing 5795 patients. Keyword-based searches in specialized databases guided data collection. ANOVA was employed for transcript distribution analysis. The b3a2 transcript was most prevalent globally, followed by b2a2, with e1a2 being the least frequent. Interestingly, Mexico City exhibited a higher incidence of b2a2, while b3a2 predominated in the remaining country. Overall, no significant intercontinental or regional variations were observed. b3a2 was the most common BCR::ABL1 transcript worldwide, with b2a2 following closely; e1a2 was infrequent. Notably, this trend remained consistent in Mexico. Evaluating transcript frequencies holds clinical relevance for CML management. Understanding the frequency of transcript informs personalized CML treatments.