Uncommon karyotypic abnormality, t(11;19)(q23;p13.3), in a patient with blastic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia

We describe unusual cytogenetic findings in a 33-year-old male with blastic phase of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. In addition to the t(9;22)(q34;q11), which was detected in all metaphases, a t(11;19)(q23;p13.3) was also identified as an evolutional change in all 20 metaphases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed that fusion signals of the ABL/BCR probes were found in 95% of blastic cells. Southern blotting and FISH analysis also revealed involvement of the MLL gene on 11q23. Clinical course was aggressive and the patient responded poorly to therapy. These findings suggest an association between Ph and 11q23 with poor prognosis, and that t(11;19)(q23;p13.3) was the essential pathogenic factor in our case.     

MLL insertion with MLL-MLLT3 gene fusion in acute leukemia: case report and review of the literature

A new chromosomal insertion involving the MLL gene was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in a patient with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and a t(9;11)(p21;q13). Genomic polymerase chain reaction confirmed the MLL-MLLT3 gene fusion. A review of the literature on MLL insertions shows that the opposite orientation of the genes involved in the fusion plays a role in the genesis of the rearrangement in most of the cases reported.     

Variant translocations (9;11): identification of the critical genetic rearrangement

The t(9;11)(p22;q23) is a recurring abnormality in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. The analysis of complex 9;11 translocations will aid in the identification of the conserved chromosomal junction or the critical genetic alteration created by the rearrangement; however, variant translocations involving chromosomes #9 and #11 have not been reported. We have identified such variants in two patients who had acute myelomonocytic leukemia and acute monocytic leukemia, characterized by a t(9;11;18)(p22;q23;q12) and a t(9;11;13)(p22;q23;q34), respectively. The conserved junction resulting from these rearrangements is created by the translocation of chromosomal material from 9p to 11q.     

Molecular cytogenetic analysis of leukemic mantle cell lymphoma with a cryptic t(11;14)

We report a case of leukemic mantle cell lymphoma of the blastoid variant with complex chromosomal rearrangements leading to the recombination of BCL1 from 11q13 and IGH from 14q32. G-banding analysis showed, in addition to multiple other chromosome abnormalities, a del(11)(q13) and addition of unknown material to chromosome arms 13p and 21p. The two latter rearrangements were revealed, by use of multicolor in situ hybridization (M-FISH) analysis, to be a der(13)(qter-->p11::14q32::11q13-->11q22::14q32-->14q11::11q22-->11qter) and a similar der(21)(qter-->p11::14q32::11q13-->11q23::14q32-->14q11::11q22-->11qter). FISH with locus-specific probes for BCL1 and IGH showed a fusion signal on both derivative chromosomes.     

Philadelphia-positive thrombocythemia with a complex translocation involving chromosomes 9, 15, and 22

We report a case of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive thrombocythemia with a complex translocation. G-banding analysis showed the predominant karyotype to be 46,XX,t(9;15;22). Southern blot analysis revealed a rearrangement within the breakpoint cluster region on chromosome 22 similar to findings in chronic myeloid leukemia. These data suggest the presence of a complex Ph translocation involving t(9;15;22)(q34.1 or q34.3;q26.1;q11 or q13).     

The 11q23 breakpoint in acute leukemia with t(11;19)(q23;p13) is distal to those of t(4;11), t(6;11) and t(9;11).

Thirteen cosmid probes were mapped on the long arm of chromosome 11 between 11q22 and 11q24 by nonradioactive in situ hybridization. Starting with these localizations and those of other probes mapped to 11q23, four acute leukemias with translocations involving 11q23 were studied with the same method. The translocation breakpoints of the t(4;11)(q21;q23), t(6;11)(q27;q23), t(9;11)(p21-p22;q23), and t(11;19)(q23;p13) were confirmed to be distal to CD3D. The probe cC111-304 was proximal to the t(11;19) breakpoint while distal to the breakpoints of the other rearrangements. In view of the diversity of chromosomal abnormalities involving band 11q23, our finding extends the molecular heterogeneity of the breakpoint localization in leukemias with rearrangements involving 11q23.     

Molecular cytogenetic findings in a three-way novel variant of t(1;8;21)(p35;q22;q22): a unique relocation of the AML1/ETO fusion gene 1p35 in AML-M2

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant neoplasm of hematopoietic stem cells characterized by an abnormal proliferation of myeloid precursors, a reduced rate of apoptosis, and an arrest in cellular differentiation. The present report deals with the results of hematologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular analyses of a 53-year-old female patient diagnosed with AML-M2. Cytogenetic and FISH analysis revealed a complex translocation involving three chromosomes showing t(1;8;21)(p35;q22;q22). The observation of breakpoints at 8q22 and 21q22 suggests a rearrangement of the ETO and AML1 genes, respectively. Using a dual-color FISH test with ETO and AML1 probes, an AML1/ETO fusion signal on the derivative 1p35 instead of der(8) was demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the relocation of the AML1/ETO fusion gene to the 1p35 rather than der(8), suggesting the presence of a novel variant of t(8;21)(q22;q22) in the observed patient.     

两种BCR/ABL探针在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交检测中的不同信号模式及其意义

目的 比较BCR/ABL双色额外信号探针(dual color extra-signal BCR/ABL probe,ESFISH探针)及BCR/ABL双色双融合探针(dual color dual fusion BCR/ABL probe,D-FISH探针)在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)检测中信号模式的差异,探讨它们的诊断价值.方法 分别采用D-FISH和ES-FISH探针对74例伴有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)及37例伴有变异Ph易位或复杂核型异常的Ph阳性白血病患者骨髓细胞进行间期FISH检测.结果 所有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)易位的白血病患者应用两种探针均检测到BCR/ABL阳性信号,ES-FISH探针显示2个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号模式,而D-FISH探针显示1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号模式.ES-FISH探针在9例(12.2%)Ph阳性白血病患者中识别次要BCR断裂位点(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号),而D-FISH探针不能识别主要BCR和次要BCR断裂位点;D-FISH探针在8例(10.8%)Ph阳性白血病中区分ABL基因单独缺失(1个橙色信号、2个绿色信号、1个黄色信号)和ABL、BCR基因共同缺失(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号),ES-FISH则不能区分之.检测变异Ph易位和含Ph易位的复杂核型异常时,两种探针的信号模式分别有4种和6种之多,且以不典型者居多,对于它们的精确解释必须依赖常规染色体分析和中期FISH结果 .结论 ES-FISH及D-FISH探针由于BCR探针大小及覆盖区域不同,在Ph阳性白血病的FISH检测中显示不同信号模式,可分别作为Ph+急性淋巴细胞白血病和慢性髓系白血病患者FISH检测的首选.若采用伊马替尼治疗,主要BCR断裂点和次要BCR断裂点、伴或不伴有衍生9号染色体部分序列缺失均不影响预后,但鉴于ES-FISH探针性价比优于D-FISH探针,推荐其作为Ph阳性白血病FISH检测的首选.     

Studies of complex Ph translocations in cases with chronic myelogenous leukemia and one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The BCR/ABL gene fusion, the hallmark of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is generated in 2-10% of patients by a variant Ph translocation involving 9q34, 22q11.2, and one or more additional genomic regions. The objective of this study was the characterization by conventional and molecular cytogenetics of complex variant Ph translocations present at diagnosis. FISH studies were performed in 7 cases using the LSI BCR/ABL ES probe allowing the detection of the fusion BCR/ABL gene on the Ph chromosome in all of them and 9q34 deletions in 2 cases. Three cryptic complex rearrangements were detected by FISH studies. The third and the fourth chromosome regions involved in the 8 complex variant translocations were: 1q21, 1p36, 5q31, 11q13, 12q13, 12p13, and 20q12. In conclusion, FISH studies have been useful in the detection of the BCR/ABL rearrangements and 9q34 deletions, and to identify complex rearrangements that differ from the ones previously established by conventional cytogenetics.     

两种BCR/ABL探针在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交检测中的不同信号模式及其意义

目的 比较BCR/ABL双色额外信号探针(dual color extra-signal BCR/ABL probe,ESFISH探针)及BCR/ABL双色双融合探针(dual color dual fusion BCR/ABL probe,D-FISH探针)在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)检测中信号模式的差异,探讨它们的诊断价值.方法 分别采用D-FISH和ES-FISH探针对74例伴有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)及37例伴有变异Ph易位或复杂核型异常的Ph阳性白血病患者骨髓细胞进行间期FISH检测.结果 所有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)易位的白血病患者应用两种探针均检测到BCR/ABL阳性信号,ES-FISH探针显示2个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号模式,而D-FISH探针显示1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号模式.ES-FISH探针在9例(12.2%)Ph阳性白血病患者中识别次要BCR断裂位点(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号),而D-FISH探针不能识别主要BCR和次要BCR断裂位点;D-FISH探针在8例(10.8%)Ph阳性白血病中区分ABL基因单独缺失(1个橙色信号、2个绿色信号、1个黄色信号)和ABL、BCR基因共同缺失(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号),ES-FISH则不能区分之.检测变异Ph易位和含Ph易位的复杂核型异常时,两种探针的信号模式分别有4种和6种之多,且以不典型者居多,对于它们的精确解释必须依赖常规染色体分析和中期FISH结果 .结论 ES-FISH及D-FISH探针由于BCR探针大小及覆盖区域不同,在Ph阳性白血病的FISH检测中显示不同信号模式,可分别作为Ph+急性淋巴细胞白血病和慢性髓系白血病患者FISH检测的首选.若采用伊马替尼治疗,主要BCR断裂点和次要BCR断裂点、伴或不伴有衍生9号染色体部分序列缺失均不影响预后,但鉴于ES-FISH探针性价比优于D-FISH探针,推荐其作为Ph阳性白血病FISH检测的首选.     

Hu-ets-1 gene in congenital leukemia with t(11;19)(q23;p13)

Cytogenetic analysis of the leukemic cells from a 1-day-old baby with an acute myelomonocytic leukemia revealed them to contain a chromosome change of t(11;19)(q23;p13). Molecular studies using a 980 bp HindIII/HpaI digested v-ets probe showed no DNA rearrangements, deletions, or amplification in the leukemic cells, including the JH immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor ( or β) genes. The findings indicate that the leukemic cells with t(11;19)(q23;p13) appear not to contain a transposition or rearrangement of the protooncogene Hu-ets-1 located at 11q23, as previously described in leukemic cells with t(4;11)(q21;q23) and t(9;11)(p22;q23). The leukemic cases with t(11;19)(q23;p13) studied by us showed a phenotype compatible with their myelomonocytic nature, although it is possible that other cases may have a lymphoid phenotype.     

两种BCR/ABL探针在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交检测中的不同信号模式及其意义

目的 比较BCR/ABL双色额外信号探针(dual color extra-signal BCR/ABL probe,ESFISH探针)及BCR/ABL双色双融合探针(dual color dual fusion BCR/ABL probe,D-FISH探针)在Ph阳性白血病荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)检测中信号模式的差异,探讨它们的诊断价值.方法 分别采用D-FISH和ES-FISH探针对74例伴有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)及37例伴有变异Ph易位或复杂核型异常的Ph阳性白血病患者骨髓细胞进行间期FISH检测.结果 所有单纯t(9;22)(q34;q11)易位的白血病患者应用两种探针均检测到BCR/ABL阳性信号,ES-FISH探针显示2个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号模式,而D-FISH探针显示1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号模式.ES-FISH探针在9例(12.2%)Ph阳性白血病患者中识别次要BCR断裂位点(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和2个黄色信号),而D-FISH探针不能识别主要BCR和次要BCR断裂位点;D-FISH探针在8例(10.8%)Ph阳性白血病中区分ABL基因单独缺失(1个橙色信号、2个绿色信号、1个黄色信号)和ABL、BCR基因共同缺失(1个橙色信号、1个绿色信号和1个黄色信号),ES-FISH则不能区分之.检测变异Ph易位和含Ph易位的复杂核型异常时,两种探针的信号模式分别有4种和6种之多,且以不典型者居多,对于它们的精确解释必须依赖常规染色体分析和中期FISH结果 .结论 ES-FISH及D-FISH探针由于BCR探针大小及覆盖区域不同,在Ph阳性白血病的FISH检测中显示不同信号模式,可分别作为Ph+急性淋巴细胞白血病和慢性髓系白血病患者FISH检测的首选.若采用伊马替尼治疗,主要BCR断裂点和次要BCR断裂点、伴或不伴有衍生9号染色体部分序列缺失均不影响预后,但鉴于ES-FISH探针性价比优于D-FISH探针,推荐其作为Ph阳性白血病FISH检测的首选.     

FISH identifies different types of duplications with 12q13-15 as the commonly involved segment in B-cell lymphoproliferative malignancies characterized by partial trisomy 12

Clinical, cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Southern blot data of 18 patients with different subtypes of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cytogenetically characterized by partial trisomy 12, are presented. These chromosomal changes occurred predominantly in clinically progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mixed cell type, and advanced-stage follicle center cell lymphoma at the time of relapse or transformation into diffuse large cell lymphoma. Partial trisomy 12 consistently included the long arm of chromosome 12, either completely or partially, and resulted from dup(12q) or other rearrangements involving chromosome 12. The duplications were cytogenetically identified as dup(12)(q13q23), dup(12)(q13q22), or dup(12)(q13q15) in follicle center cell lymphoma or t(14;18)-positive diffuse large cell lymphoma; dup(12)(q13q22) or dup(12)(q13q24) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia; and dup(12)(q13q21) in a case of t(14;18)-negative diffuse large cell lymphoma. FISH, using library probes and a panel of YAC probes, mapped along the long arm of chromosome 12, confirmed the cytogenetic results in all cases analyzed except for three cases of t(14;18)-positive follicle center lymphoma or diffuse large cell lymphoma with dup(12q). In these cases, FISH showed similar, possibly identical, duplications, which involved a region more centromeric (12q11-21) than assumed by karyotypic analysis (12q13-22 or 12q13-23) and included alphoid DNA sequences, a combination hitherto unknown. In addition, commonly duplicated regions of chromosome 12 could be defined: 12q11-21, including alphoid DNA sequences for follicle center cell lymphoma or t(14;18)-positive diffuse large cell lymphoma, 12q13-22 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 12p13-q15 for marginal zone cell lymphoma, all of which overlapped in 12q13-15. Whether these regions, especially 12q13-15, may contain genes which are important in malignant transformation or disease progression of B-cell lymphoproliferative malignancies characterized by complete or partial trisomy 12 remains to be determined. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 20:155–166, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Chromosomal aberration of the 11q23 locus in acute leukemia and frequency of MLL gene translocation: results in 378 adult patients

Structural abnormality of the 11q23 band (11q23+) bearing the MLL gene translocation (MLL+) is a recurrent chromosome change observed in 3% to 7% of acute lymphoblastic leukemias and in 3% to 4% of acute myeloblastic leukemias. The resolution of conventional cytogenetics (CC) in detecting 11q23 rearrangement is limited when the translocative partner has a telomeric location; furthermore, CC can barely discriminate between true 11q23+/MLL+ and rearrangements clustering within the 11q22 to approximately 25 region without MLL involvement (MLL-). We characterized a series of 378 consecutive patients with adult acute leukemia by using CC, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and multiplex karyotyping (M-FISH) analysis. Our aim was to define the frequency of cryptic MLL+ cases and the frequency of MLL+ within 11q22 to approximately 25+ cases. As expected, FISH was more sensitive than CC in detecting MLL+ cases, but rather unexpectedly, 9 (45%) of 20 patients with 11q22 to approximately 25+ were MLL-. A better characterization of 11q22 to approximately 25+/MLL- leukemias is relevant for the identification of new, recurrent translocations. Moreover, these cases should be readily distinguishable from 11q23+/MLL+ cases. We recommend that karyotypic analysis always be complemented by molecular or FISH methods to unravel MLL rearrangements.     

Translocation (8;21) and its variants in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. The relative importance of chromosomes 8 and 21 to the genesis of the disease

Chromosome analysis was performed in 25 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), mostly of the M2 type. Eighteen had the standard translocation, t(8;21)(q22;q22), four had complex translocations involving 1p36, 11p13, 17p11, and 17p23, respectively, with chromosomes 8 and 21, and the remaining three patients had simple translocations, one with t(3;21)(p14;q22) and two with t(16;21)(p11;q22), without involving chromosome 8. Chromosome abnormalities additional to t(8;21) and its variants that were most frequently observed were -X, -Y, and del(9). Complex translocations are thought to be derived from the standard translocation and to be essentially similar in nature. The finding that chromosome 21 was involved in all of the standard, simple, and complex translocations, and that chromosome 8 was not involved in simple variants suggest a greater weight of chromosome 21 in the relative importance of the two chromosomes to the genesis of ANLL.