Cancer Stem Cells in Acute Leukemia

Cancer Stem Cells in Acute Leukemia

Descriptive study of acute leukemia patients. Bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood samples will be analyzed by next-generation sequencing for novel gene signatures and variations in transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory elements such as ARID5B and SALL4 variants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newly diagnosed or relapsed acute leukemia (AML or ALL)
• Plan to undergo diagnostic bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood if clinically indicated (i.e. WBC>50,000 and bone marrow contraindicated)
• Age 1 month to 30 years
• Understand and provide informed consent (subject if>18, legal guardian if<18)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age 0 to 4 weeks
• Treatment related leukemia or leukemia secondary to MDS
• Situations that would limit compliance with study requirements or ability to willingly give consent