Qlucore Newsletter: Enhancing B-ALL Classification with RNA-seq

Recent findings published in the British Journal of Haematology support that RNA-seq is a dependable and valuable method for accurately classifying B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This refinement in patient stratification has significant implications for risk assessment and treatment decisions. 

The study by Vicente-Garcés et al. shows that RNA-seq, through expression profiling and gene fusion detection based on whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS), helps classify almost 70% of samples that were not classified using standard methods (20-30% of B-ALL cases). 

Key insights from the study: 

• RNA-seq complements existing methodologies, providing crucial information for accurate B-ALL classification. 

• The ability to classify additional samples allows for better risk stratification and more informed treatment decisions. 

• Reclassification of samples based on RNA-seq data has direct implications for risk stratification and treatment planning. 

Implementing these new findings in clinical practice is straightforward. Qlucore delivers the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia under Europe’s IVDR framework. It is available and in use by customers. Learn more by joining our upcoming webinar on the 22nd of May or by contacting us directly.