Frequency of TP53 (17p13) Deletion in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of TP53 (17p13) gene deletion in patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and assess its correlation with age, gender, and total leukocyte count (TLC).

Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Section of Hematology and Cytogenetics, Department of Pathology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 157 CLL patients were included. Peripheral blood or bone marrow samples were analyzed using the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique to detect TP53 deletion. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, and Chi-square tests were applied for significance assessment.

Results: Among the 157 CLL patients, 114 (72.61%) were males, and 43 (27.38%) were females, with a mean age of 56.44 ± 8.20 years. TP53 deletion was observed in 30 (19.11%) patients, including 23 (76%) males and 7 (23.30%) females. No significant correlation was found between TP53 deletion and age or gender (p > 0.05). Additionally, 18 (60%) patients with TP53 deletion had TLC <100×10³, while 12 (40%) had TLC >100×10³.

Conclusion: The frequency of TP53 gene deletion in CLL patients was 19.11%. The deletion was more prevalent in males, though statistical significance was not established. Early identification of TP53 deletion is crucial for risk stratification and treatment decisions