Diagnostic and prognostic significance of chromosome abnormalities in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Chromosome abnormalities in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) are of diagnostic and prognostic importance. The presence of an abnormality in ANLL patients predicts an unfavorable course; the prediction is particularly significant for acute myelocytic leukemia. The occurrence of a t(15;17) assists in the diagnosis of “microgranular” acute promyelocytic leukemia; transmission electron microscopy can aid in confirming this diagnosis. The presence of a chromosome abnormality in previously treated malignant lymphoma patients with undiagnosed cytopenia supports a diagnosis of preleukemia. The presence of a chromosome abnormality in patients with the hypereosinophilic syndrome might identify the subset of patients who have a neoplastic disease.