OBJECTIVES:

• Evaluate, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the clinical significance of p190 and p210 BCR-ABL fusion transcripts measured at the time of diagnosis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
• Evaluate, using quantitative and qualitative RT-PCR, the clinical significance of minimal residual disease as defined by BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in patients who have achieved complete remission.
• Compare blood with bone marrow samples for the detection and quantitation of BCR-ABL transcripts in diagnosis and sequential remission samples.
• Determine the impact of the expression of WT-1 at diagnosis, remission, and relapse in BCR-ABL positive and negative ALL on clinical outcome.

OUTLINE: Blood and bone marrow are collected from patients before therapy; after courses 1, 3, and 6; every 6 months during maintenance therapy; 1 year after therapy completion; and at relapse.

Samples are examined for the p190 and p210 BCR-ABL and WT-1 transcripts using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the DNA.

Patients do not receive the results of the genetic testing and the results do not influence the type or duration of treatment.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 300 patients will be accrued for this study over 5 years.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and entered on CALGB-19802 or its successor

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• Adult

Performance status:

• See Disease Characteristics

Life expectancy:

• See Disease Characteristics

Hematopoietic:

• See Disease Characteristics

Hepatic:

• See Disease Characteristics

Renal:

• See Disease Characteristics

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics