Chromosome abnormalities in human cancer and leukemia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Chromosomics: Detection of Numerical and Structural Alterations in All 24 Human Chromosomes Simultaneously Using a Novel OctoChrome FISH Assay
Published on: February 6, 2012
1Southwest Biomedical Research Institute, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Abstract:
The meaning and application of chromosomal (cytogenetic, karyotypic) changes in human leukemia and cancer have been succinctly reviewed in this article. Thus, the usefulness of these changes in the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of various leukemic conditions and, more recently, of solid tumors is stressed and their application to molecular studies indicated. The meaning of primary (specific) and additional (secondary) karyotypic changes in malignant and benign tumors is discussed. Tables containing the common cytogenetic changes in leukemias and tumors, including benign ones, are included.
Related Concept Videos
Karyotyping
Histone Variants at the Centromere
Abnormal Proliferation
What is Cancer?
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...

