[Chromosome abnormalities in acute granulocytic leukemias or in non-lymphoid acute leukemias]

Chromosome anomalies, structural and/or numerical changes are present in about 50% of acute non lymphoïd leukemia (ANLL). They are non-random: chromosome 8, 7, 5 and 11 being more frequently involved. Correlations between chromosomal anomalies and type of proliferation have been established: translocation t (8;21) and acute myeloblastic leukemia M2; translocation t (15;17) and acute promyelocytic leukemia M3; structural anomalies of chromosome 11 long arm and acute monoblastic leukemia M5. A relationship between prognosis and leukemic karyotype has been found. Median survival is generally longer in patients with normal karyotypes. Future studies may correlate chromosome anomalies and metabolic changes with the help of progress in gene mapping. A better knowledge will provide not only a better therapy but also a better understanding of the leukemic process.