ATM mutations in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Tumor DNA samples from 56 patients with sporadic B-CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) were analyzed for mutations in the ATM gene, using exon scanning single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Fifteen patients (27%) showed a pattern compatible with the presence of a somatic mutation. In only five patients, however, was a mutation possibly associated with the disease status detected, suggesting that ATM mutations make only a minor contribution to the pathogenesis of B-CLL.