Aleukemic myeloid sarcoma of the breast

Myeloid sarcoma is a solid collection of leukemic blast cells outside bone marrow. It is seen infrequently in association with overt Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), however, it invariably transforms into this aggressive condition. A28-year woman presented with a lump in left breast for last 2 years. Morphological and immunophenotypic results of breast mass were consistent with myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were normal, however, patient died after one and a half years of diagnosis. Myeloid sarcoma at any extramedullary site heralds development of overt acute myeloid leukemia and should be appropriately managed at the time of diagnosi

Current Status of Non-Disease Modifying Gene Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurological disorder characterized by bradykinesia, tremor, muscular rigidity, and postural instability. The world-wide prevalence is expected to rise further with increasing mean age. Theoretically, if all desired elements required for dopamine synthesis are functionally available, need for exogenous L-DOPA administration can be eliminated or markedly reduced. However, lack of effective long-term treatment has led to extensive gene therapy research focusing both on disease modifying as well as non-disease modifying aspects. Since genetic lesions are found in both familial as well as sporadic PD cases, the principle of introducing a normal gene to cure a disease can also be applied in PD. Success in effective gene delivery to the target brain regions and its tolerability owing to negligible immune response against the vector has further encouraged the work. The likelihood of gene therapy becoming future and true cure for PD is very high. This commentary describes status of non-disease modifying gene therapy in PD

Assessment of WT1 expression as a marker of treatment outcome in karyotype normal acute myeloid leukemia patients in Pakistan

Currently, there is an effort to predict relapse by follow-up monitoring of MRD and subsequently to begin the treatment of the patients during their clinical and hematological remission prior to overt hematological relapse. Expression of WT1 in AM Lis known to be independently associated with significant inferior response to therapy and short survival outcome. Follow-up monitoring of WT1 gene expression during or after therapy would be a valuable predictive marker for early recurrence or relapse of AMLdisease. This pilot study evaluated newly diagnosed and post-induction or consolidation chemotherapy of AMLpatients who were registered with the Oncology Clinics of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. High WT1 burden (\u3e 5000 copies/ml) in 2 patients was indicative of early recurrence of the disease along with shorter disease-free and overall survival. Low WT1 expression (\u3c 200 copies/ml) in 2 patients after induction and consolidation therapy, respectively, was suggestive of better prognosis