In the present study, the significant correlation between AML1/ETO and c-kit expressions or between the high c-kit expression and the poor outcome in AML1/ETO-positive patients provides an alternative explanation for why high AML1/ETO transcript predicts high relapse risk and supports the critical contribution of c-kit to AML1/ETO-driven leukemia. This evidence concerns the gene RUNX1T1 and leukemia.