MEF2D-BCL9 B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia Blast Morphology Does Not Always Mimic Mature B-Cell Leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2021 Apr 1;43(3):112-113. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002009.

Abstract

MEF2D (myocyte enhancer factor 2D)-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has recently been documented by transcriptome sequencing in B-cell precursor ALL. It is associated with older age of onset (median: 14 y), and characterized by very early relapse and poorer outcomes than other B-cell precursor ALL groups. According to report by Suzuki and colleagues, all 4 cases of MEF2D-BCL9-fusion ALL among 59 children with relapsed or primary refractory ALL had leukemic blasts morphologically mimicking mature B-cell leukemia cells. However, we display morphologically different blast populations in 2 patients with MEF2D-BCL9-rearranged ALL. Mature B-cell leukemia-like morphology would aid the detection of MEF2D-BCL9 fusion, but not all cases might have typical morphology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Male
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • BCL9 protein, human
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • MEF2D protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • Transcription Factors