Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF-1) is a key transcription factor of wingless-type (Wnt) signaling in various tumors and it is associated with a number of malignant diseases such as leukemia. We explored the expression profile of LEF-1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and determined its specific prognostic significance in this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied LEF-1 expression in 56 newly diagnosed B-acute ALL adult patients using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to investigate whether LEF-1 expression was associated with clinical patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: High LEF-1 expression was associated with significantly poorer disease-free survival (p=0.03) and overall survival (p=0.005). Patients with high LEF-1 expression had a significantly higher relapse rate compared with low LEF-1 expression (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: We provide evidence that high LEF-1 expression is a prognostic marker in adult B-acute ALL patients.