Pediatric leukemia/lymphoma with t(8;14)(q24;q11)

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Chromosomal translocations are common in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).
• The t(8;14)(q24;q11) translocation involves the T-cell receptor alpha/delta locus, but its clinical significance remains undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clinically define the disease associated with the t(8;14)(q24;q11) chromosomal translocation in pediatric leukemia/lymphoma.
• To analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of this specific T-ALL subtype.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of fifteen pediatric cases with t(8;14)(q24;q11) from literature and institutional records.
• Characterization of clinical features, immunophenotype, and survival data.
• Establishment and analysis of seven cell lines from six cases.

Main Results:

• The t(8;14)(q24;q11) translocation accounts for approximately 1% of pediatric ALL cases.
• Associated disease shows male predominance, median age of 5.5 years, high white blood cell counts, CNS infiltration, and bulky extramedullary leukemia.
• Median event-free survival was 4 months, and median survival was 11 months.
• Cell lines derived showed T-lymphoblastic or myeloid characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The t(8;14)(q24;q11) translocation defines an aggressive leukemia/lymphoma subtype in children.
• Common features include high tumor burden, early extramedullary spread, and poor prognosis.
• This subtype shares characteristics with other T-ALLs involving 13(q11).