Cytogenetic Studies in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Abstract. Cytogenetic studies have been carried out on bone marrow aspirates from 50 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Abnormal stem lines were present in 22 patients; the remainder had a diploid chromosome complement. In all patients the majority of the metaphases had a blurred appearance and in many of the bone marrow aspirates studied before therapy the blurred metaphases showed chromatid breaks. Several bone marrow aspirates were obtained from six patients with a diploid chromosome complement. In none of these was the emergence of an abnormal cell line seen. In seven patients abnormal stem lines were demonstrated before the diagnosis of AML could be made. Based on the present results and on a review of the relevant literature, some general cytogenetic features are emphasized which have contributed to a better understanding of the leu‐kaemic process. Finally, the significance of cytogenetic studies in the diagnosis and therapeutic handling of leukaemia is discussed.