Biopolymers and cell. 1994. Volume 10. № 5. 78 - 92

G. D. Telegeev, M. V. Dybkov, O. 1. Karpenko, H. I. Cherepenko

MOLECULAR BASIS OF Ph+ LEUKEMIA AND FINDING THE WAY TO TREAT THEM

Summary

    The review summarizes the recent study of genetic changes in stem blood cells leading to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The main emphasis is made on the description of chimeric BCR-ABL gene resulting from a fusion of two normal genes occurred due to specific chromosome translocation. The r6te of products of such a recombinant gene in a malignancy process is discussed. Two strategies in developing CML and ALL treatment are pointed. One of them concerns the possibility to restore changed cell phenotype using antisense DNA and ribozymes attacking recombinant gene messenger and thereby blocking this gene expression. The other is directed to the specific killing of the changed cells using chemotherapeutic drugs. On thts way the problem of multidrug resistance typical for malignant cells is briefly summarized.