Blood cancer 2

Blood Cancer

  • BCR-ABL Molecular Genetic Testing

    Alongside our comprehensive molecular oncology and haematology service, Australian Clinical Labs offers both qualitative and quantitative BCR-ABL molecular genetic testing for haematological malignancies. Detection of the BCR-ABL fusion genes has diagnostic and therapeutic implications in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

    The test is NATA/RCPA accredited and will be performed using a highly-sensitive quantitative PCR assay (ddPCR) at our Molecular Genetics Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, Victoria.

    With BCR-ABL testing performed in-house at Clinical Labs, your patient results will be provided in the same convenient method as your other Clinical Labs results, and will be provided with a quicker turnaround time than previously. There is no change in test fee – with the BCR-ABL test able to be covered by Medicare for all eligible cases.

    About the BCR-ABL gene fusion

    The BCR-ABL gene fusion is acquired when pieces of chromosome 9 and chromosome 22 break off and switch places. The resulting chromosome 22 that has the BCR-ABL gene sequence is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The BCR-ABL gene encodes an abnormal protein that is responsible for the development of CML and a type of ALL. This abnormal protein drives uncontrolled growth of leukemic cells. At diagnosis, 90-95% of cases of CML show the characteristic t(9;22) BCR-ABL reciprocal chromosomal translocation.

About the Author

Associate Professor Mirette Saad

Associate Professor Mirette Saad

MBBS(Hons) MD(Hons) MAACB FRCPA PhD

Associate Professor Mirette Saad

MBBS(Hons) MD(Hons) MAACB FRCPA PhD
Location: Clayton (VIC)
Speciality: Chemical Pathology
Areas of Interest:
  • antenatal screening
  • cancer genetics
  • clinical research and medical teaching
  • endocrine
  • fertility testing
  • molecular genetics
  • nipt
  • precision medicine
  • pharmacogenetics
About

Associate Professor Mirette Saad is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and National Director of Molecular Genetics at Australian Clinical Labs. She holds a Fellowship with honours in Chemical and Molecular Pathology, with a subspeciality in Microbiology, obtained overseas. A/Prof Saad received her NHMRC-sponsored PhD in Cancer Genetics from the University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. Alongside her teaching and research roles, A/Prof Saad is a registered medical practitioner with AHPRA, a Chemical Pathology Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA), and a Member of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (AACB) by examination. She is Chair of the RCPA Chemical Pathology Advisory Committee and Chair of Precision Medicine Services at Australian Clinical Labs. At Clinical Labs, A/Prof Saad leads Molecular Genetics testing for NIPT, antenatal screening, fertility, personalised drug therapy and cancer.