BCR-ABL
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion gene |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BCR-ABL stands for Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion gene, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Cancer-causing fusion gene formed by the Philadelphia chromosome, producing a constantly active tyrosine kinase that drives chronic myeloid leukemia and some acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its level in blood, measured by quantitative PCR, tracks response to treatment.
Example: BCR-ABL 0.08% on the international scale at 12 months: major molecular response achieved.
Usage notes
The drug imatinib, approved in 2001, was designed to block this kinase and transformed CML from a fatal disease into a chronic condition with near-normal life expectancy for many patients. Response milestones include a level of 0.1 percent or less (major molecular response). Some patients with deep, sustained responses can stop treatment under close monitoring. Current nomenclature writes BCR::ABL1.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- ALL – Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- AML – Acute myeloid leukemia
- APL – Acute promyelocytic leukemia
- ASCO – American Society of Clinical Oncology
- ASCT – Autologous stem cell transplant
- ASH – American Society of Hematology
- BEP – Bleomycin, etoposide, Platinol (cisplatin)
- BMT – Bone marrow transplant
- BRAF – B-Raf proto-oncogene
- BRCA – Breast cancer gene
- Ca – Cancer (carcinoma)
- CA 19-9 – Carbohydrate antigen 19-9
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.