[Chromosome findings in multiple myeloma]

Cytogenetic studies were performed on 25 patients with multiple myeloma. Five of 25 patients (20%) had chromosomally abnormal clones. The most common anomalous chromosomes were #1, #10, #12, #3, and #14. Chromosomal abnormalities of t (1 ; 10) (q42 ; q26) and t (1 ; 19) (q11 ; p13.3) were observed consistently in a Ig D myeloma patient. Patients with abnormal karyotypes were considered to be in a clinically aggressive phase because of high percentage of immature plasma cell in bone marrow and to have a poor prognosis. Current status of the chromosome findings in multiple myeloma are reviewed in this article.