Standardization of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for detection of the JAK2V617F mutation in BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: A tertiary care centre experience

Background: Identification of JAK2V617F mutations has led to a significant development in our understanding of the pathogenesis and therapy of BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, not all cases of BCR-ABL1 negative MPNs carry JAK2V617F mutations. The present study was undertaken with an aim to standardize the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of JAK2V617F mutations and to find the prevalence of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations in MPNs in the Indian scenario. Materials and Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the JAK2V617F mutation. Standardization of the detection procedure was carried out using recommended guidelines to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of results. Forty-nine patients of BCR-ABL1 negative MPNs were included in the study. Results: The JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 63.3% patients of BCR-ABL1 negative MPNs. On classification of these BCR-ABL1 negative MPNs, JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 78.3% patients with polycythemia vera (PV), 62.5% patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), and 44.4% patients with Primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Conclusion: Role of detection of JAK2 mutations in BCR-ABL1 negative MPN has begun to be described and can be used in the diagnosis of PV, ET, and PMF along with other criterias. In future, it may be suitable for treatment monitoring and prognostication.