A reduced panel of eight genes (ATM, SF3B1, NOTCH1, BIRC3, XPO1, MYD88, TNFAIP3, and TP53) as an estimator of the tumor mutational burden in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Introduction Mutational complexity or tumor mutational burden (TMB) influences the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, this information is not routinely used because TMB is usually obtained from whole genome or exome, or from large gene panel high-throughput sequencing. Methods Here, we used the C-Harrel concordance index to determine the minimum panel of genes for which mutations predict treatment-free survival (TFS) as well as large resequencing panels. Results An eight gene estimator was defined encompassing ATM, SF3B1, NOTCH1, BIRC3, XPO1, MYD88, TNFAIP3, and TP53. TMB estimated from either a large panel of genes or the eight gene estimator was increased in treated patients or in those with a short TFS ( 6 months). Strikingly, the eight gene estimator was also highly informative for patients with Binet stage A CLL or with a good prognosis karyotype. Conclusion These results suggest that the eight gene estimator, that is easily achievable by high-throughput resequencing, brings robust and valuable information that predicts evolution of untreated patients at diagnosis better than any other parameter.