Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the outcome of therapeutic intervention in cases of leukemia, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adults. The present invention evaluates a gene expression profile and identifies prognostic genes of cancers, in particular leukemia, more particularly B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The present invention provides a method of determining prognosis of leukemia, in particular, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, more particularly B-precursor ALL and predicting therapeutic outcome of a patient. The method comprises the steps of first establishing the threshold value of at least three prognostic genes of leukemia, preferably at least eight prognostic genes, or preferably, as many as 26 prognostic genes. Then, the amount of the prognostic gene(s) from a leukemia patient is determined.

Abstract: Genes and gene expression profiles useful for predicting outcome, risk classification, cytogenetics and/or etiology in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). OPAL1 is a novel gene associated with outcome and, along with other newly identified genes, represent a novel therapeutic targets.