Wilms' tumor gene 1 in leukemia: Prognostic or predictive biomarker

Wilms' tumor is common in children and is caused by Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1). The WT1 mutation has been reported in a variety of hematologic malignancies. Changing expression of miRNA molecules has also been shown to play a role in the development of Wilms' tumor. Considering the fact that WT1 can be used as a clinical biomarker in leukemia cases, it can be a basis for immunotherapy of leukemia. WT1 is a gene that can be used as a prognostic biomarker for minimal residual disease, as well as the detection of relapse for clinical remission in leukemia. Furthermore, it can be considered as a predictive biomarker for the treatment of leukemic patients after allogeneic transplantation. This study aimed to review WT1 expression in leukemia, its involvement in miRNAs expression, as well as its importance in prognosis and treatment of leukemia.