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
About

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