Enhanced detection of chromosomal abnormalities with the use of RxFISH multicolor banding technique

Hematological disorders often have complex karyotypes with multiple markers. Proper assignment of chromosome number or aberration or both can be difficult. Specific identification of chromosomal abnormalities aids in the diagnosis and selection of treatment of patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been applied to the identification of translocations, markers, and other chromosomal abnormalities in clinical cytogenetics. However, the standard FISH technique is unable to detect the entire genome in a single experiment. This report presents the use of a cross-species comparative genomic hybridization color-banding technique (RxFISH) that permits examination of an entire karyotype at one time. Specimens from two patients, one with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and the other with multiple myeloma (MM), were studied. Metaphases were prepared by standard culture techniques. Conventional cytogenetic analysis (GTG banding) showed multiple clones in each of the cases. These clones were hyperdiploid metaphases with complex chromosomal abnormalities and multiple markers. The slides were then hybridized with FITC-, Cy-3-, and Cy-5-labeled RxFISH probes; the results were analyzed by a digital imaging system. The RxFISH color banding confirmed the hyperdiploid metaphases and identified multiple chromosomal abnormalities. In the specimen from the patient with ALL, several chromosomes, which had been classified as markers by G-banding, were found to be specific chromosomes. This study suggests that RxFISH can provide more accurate and specific identification of complex chromosomal abnormalities. RxFISH is a useful complement to the clinical cytogenetic laboratory armamentarium.