Consistent detection of the TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric transcripts by RT-PCR in the sequential samples of 12 patients with t(16; 21)-AML at various clinical stages. The top line indicates a time scale to represent the lapsed months after initial diagnosis. (•) Indicate chimeric transcripts were detectable; (○) indicate chimeric transcripts undetectable; and () represent the actual time of diagnosis, first or second CR or relapse, but the sample was not available. The clinical stages are indicated by CR or relapse above the circles. Dashed line represents the patient is alive, and the survival duration is indicated at end (patient 3). *Died of complications after BMT (patient 10). The chimeric transcripts were consistently detectable not only in the samples available at diagnosis or in relapse, but also in all of the samples during CR except one from patient 10.