Chronic myeloid leukemia with variant translocations: A cytogenetic profile

Abstract

17517 Background: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is characterized by the translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. The resulting Philadelphia chromosome is the cytogenetic hallmark of this disease. Occasionally, other variant translocations may be present. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of case records between 1999 and 2006 of patients diagnosed with CML at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, a tertiary care cancer centre in South India. The cytogenetic profile of CML patients was determined. Results: The total number of CML patients (proven by bone marrow aspiration) diagnosed at our centre during the study period was 1268. Of these, 79 cases (48 M, 31 F) had variant translocations ( Table 1 ). The mean age at diagnosis was 35.9 yrs (SD 11.4). The involved chromosomes were 22 (91.1%), 9 (69.9%), 1 (13.9%), 19 (11.4%), 12 (8.8%), 7 (7.6%), and 6 (7.6%). Other involved chromosomes were 11, 2, 3 13, 15, 17, 16, 20, 21, and 8 in decreasing order of frequency. Table 1 : Cytogenetic Profile of CML Conclusions: Other than chromosomes 22 and 9, the variant translocations commonly involved chromosomes no 1, 19, 12, 7, and 6. The identification of these variant translocations and their co-relation with the clinical behavior may identify new prognostic markers. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.