Ikaros6 is associated with BCR-ABL1 and myeloid-associated antigens but indicates poor prognosis independently in Chinese adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Ikaros6 was specifically associated with clinical and genetic features of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and could be used for prediction of inferior survival. The present study aimed to further investigate the correlation between Ikaros6 and other prognostic factors, and to explore the novel prognosis prediction function by combining Ikaros6 and other factors in Chinese adult B-ALL. We examined the expression of Ikaros6 in 108 patients by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed the results by sequencing, gene scanning and real-time PCR. Ikaros6 was associated with BCR-ABL1 (P=0.010) and myeloid-associated antigens (P=0.009), but had an independent negative impact on survival. In multivariable Cox analysis, Ikaros6 was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival (P=0.013, HR=2.140), event-free survival (P=0.016, HR=1.972) and relapse-free survival (P=0.002, HR=3.636). This study indicated closed relation between BCR-ABL1, myeloid-associated antigens and Ikaros6.These three risk factors played an important role in evaluation of prognosis in Chinese adult B-ALL. Furthermore, Ikaros6 is more beneficial for the disease recurrence prediction.