The t(15;17) is the diagnostic hallmark of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As a result, the RARA and the promyelocytic
leukemia (PML) genes are fused. The use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of the
PML-RARA and RARA-PML fusion genes is the only technique that defines the PML breakpoint type and that allows the definition of a correct strategy
for subsequent minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. Standardized conditions for RT-PCR analysis of fusion transcripts
from chromosome aberrations in acute leukemia, including APL, have recently been reported in the context of the Biomed-1 Concerted
Action, and are described in detail in this chapter.
Key Words Acute promyelocytic leukemia – RT-PCR – t(15;17) – fusion transcript – minimal residual disease