Cytogenetic analysis and its clinical significance in acute leukemia

Aim To investigate the chromosome abnormalities in leukemia,and to evaluate the value of cytogenetic analysis which can serve as an effective index for clinical diagnosis ,treatment estimation of prognosis in leukemia . Methods Cytogenetic analyses were performed in 76 patients with AL with method of common chromosome .The chromosomes were prepared with direct method,and brief culture of cells . The karyotype was detected by conventional cytogenetic R-banding and G-banding.Clinical diagnosis and prognosis were observed.Results Chromosome aberrations were identified in 55% of AL cases. The complete remission rates of AL were significantly higher in patients with the normal karyotype than patients with the abnormal karyotype. Patients with the normal karyotype , ultratwiceploid and t (15 ;17) showed the best therapeutic effect , while patients with the abnormal karyotype ,-7/7q-、t(9;22)、t(4;11) 、t (9;11) and t(1;19) manifested the poor therapeutic effect. It might be a sign of relapse that the abnormal karyotype persisted during the period of AL remission ,the secondary abnormal karyotype persisted the poor prognosis.Conclusions Chromosomal abnormalities can be identified in at least 50% of AL. Chromosome translocations were specifically associated with AL subtypes of FAB. The study shows that cytogenetics was specifically associated with leukemia prognosis. Chromosomal abnormalities were specifically independent factor to evaluate prognosis with leukemia.