Translocation t(8;16) in acute monocytic leukemia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Cytogenetics

Background:

• Acute monocytic leukemia (AML M5a) is an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia.
• The t(8;16)(p11;p13) chromosomal translocation is a rare abnormality associated with AML.
• Erythrophagocytosis can be a feature of certain hematologic malignancies.

Observation:

• This report details three new cases of acute monocytic leukemia (FAB M5a) presenting with the t(8;16)(p11;p13) chromosomal abnormality.
• Two of the three cases demonstrated significant erythrophagocytosis, with one case also showing phagocytosis of normoblasts and granulocytes.
• The third case lacked erythrophagocytosis. In two cases, t(8;16) was the sole chromosomal abnormality; one case exhibited clonal evolution with partial trisomy 1q and deletions on chromosomes 1 and 3.

Findings:

• The t(8;16) translocation in AML M5a is associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment efficacy.
• Complete remission was transient in two patients, lasting only 3 and 6 months, with one experiencing a central nervous system relapse.
• Overall survival was short, ranging from 1 to 9 months. One patient died from interstitial pneumonitis post-allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Implications:

• The t(8;16) translocation may serve as a marker for aggressive AML M5a with a poor clinical outcome.
• Further research is warranted to understand the role of erythrophagocytosis in AML pathogenesis and prognosis.
• Investigating novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with this specific AML subtype.