chromosomal abnormalities
Last reviewed 01/2018
Studies reveal a high incidence of non-random chromosomal abnormalities in 70% of cases of ALL and 50% of cases of AML. The genes involved are intimately concerned with the regulation of cell growth.
- t(9;22), C-ALL; L1 or L2 - more common in adults poor prognosis
- t(4;11), Null-ALL; L2 - infants; more in girls, high blast count, poor prognosis
- t(8;14), B-ALL; L3 - hepatosplenomegaly; conventional treatment gives poor prognosis; better with lymphoma type treatment
- t(8;21), AML-M2 - young; mean age 28 yrs, abnormal eosinophils, solid leukaemic tumours, 75-85% remission when treated
- t(15;17), AML-M3 - abnormal promyelocytes, 50% develop DIC, durable remissions
- inv/del/t(16), AML-M4 - 5% of AML abnormal eosinophils 70-90% remission after treatment
Note - t(9;22) is the Philadelphia chromosome.