[Cytogenetic findings in acute myelogenous leukemias (FAB M 1 to M 6)]

The results published in the period from 1973 to 1983 entitled "Cytogenetic findings in acute myeloic leukemias" (M 1 to M 6 of FAB classification) were compiled. In 50-60 per cent of those patients affected with acute myeloic leukemia a deviating karyotype could be detected. With a markedly higher frequency chromosomes 8 and 21 will take part in aberrations, with translocations (8; 21) having the main share with about 30-40 per cent. More than half the male bearers of translocation exhibits a loss of the Y-chromosome, a third of female patients a loss of the X-chromosome. Trisomy 8 and 9 as well as monosomy 7 appear in about 20 per cent. These aberrations can also be found in all other leukemic and preleukemic processes. Patients with karyotypic abnormalities in all their cells will have the slightest average survival time and the worst appeal to therapy. The sole appearance of monosomy 7 or Ph1-chromosome respectively seems to be an unfavourable sign from a prognostic point of view. Children with acute myeloic leukemia will possess an aberrant karyotype more frequently than adults, but they have a longer average life, boys are more frequently affected by this. Acute promyelocytic leukemia can be characterized cytogenetically in 94 per cent of the cases by translocation (15; 17). However, distinct geographical differences can be observed here, the causes of which have not been elucidated. About 40 per cent of the patients with acute myelo-monocytic leukemia developed aberrations. Further investigations will have to show whether the chromosome 11 really took part in it somewhat more frequently than merely at random. Chromosome anomalies have not a visible influence on the course of the disease. In 30-40 per cent of patients with a rarely occurring acute monocytic leukemia, an abnormal karyotype could be found. There was an incidence of 47 per cent for a specific translocation (9; 11) or a similar variant respectively. Erythroleukemia is characterized by a high instability of chromosomes and karyotypical variability, particularly in erythrocyte precursors and by an average survival time of one months. Megakaryoblastic and eosinophilic leukemia are very rare kinds of acute leukemias. The small number of publications allows no general statement to be made concerning karyotypical changes.