Significance of chromosome abnormalities in leukemia

The review deals with technical considerations in relation to culturing and studying the chromosomes of leukemic cells. Specific and non-random chromosomal changes are described by the historic approach. Then follows a description of the application of chromosomal studies to diagnosis, progress and followup in the chronic and acute leukemias. A section is devoted to the application of chromosomal studies in bone-marrow transplantation. Finally, lines of research for leukemia using a genetic approach are suggested.