Entire ABL1 Gene Deletion Without BCR/ABL1 Rearrangement in a Female Patient with B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease characterized by lymphocytic B-line or T-line cells abnormally proliferating in the bone marrow or extramedullary sites. BCR/ABL1 fusion protein in patients with ALL accounts for acts in 15–30% of B-lineage ALL cases, usually in adolescence. However, entire ABL1 gene deletion without BCR/ABL1 rearrangement is a rare phenomenon in ALL patients. Here we describe the first case of entire ABL1 gene deletion without BCR/ABL1 rearrangement in a female B-ALL patient. Relevant literature is reviewed to explain the association between ABL1 deletion and the pathogenesis/prognosis of this disease. ABL gene deletion can repress the activation of p53 and p73, and disrupt TGF-β signaling pathway to allow malignant cells to invade the normal tissue. The clinical significance of ABL gene deletion needs to be further explored.