Chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemias

Conventional cytogenetic techniques are the standard for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with AML and ALL. Some characteristic translocations associated with various groups of AML diagnoses, such as t(8;21), t(15;17), and inv(16) for M2, M3, and M4eo, respectively, have been recognized for years. The most common cytogenetic abnormality found in childhood ALL and hyperdiploid adult ALL is t(9;22). Future directions include increased use of FISH and molecular diagnostic techniques. The clinical cytogenetics laboratory plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of AML and ALL.