De novo Ph negative T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia associated with BCR gene rearrangement

One case of de novo Ph-negative T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has been found to have a classical breakpoint cluster region (bcr) rearrangement of the type seen in chronic granulocytic leukaemia. There were no haematological features to suggest a previous chronic phase. This case represents the first report of this rearrangement in Ph negative acute T-lymphoblastic leukaemia at presentation. The implications for various therapeutic options in such patients are discussed.