A case of AMMoL with 8/21 translocation and loss of the Y as probably secondary events

The clinical, hematological, and cytogenetic characteristics of a male patient with AMMoL are described. Before treatment a clone with the complex karyotype 45,X,del(7)(q32), t(8;21)(q22;q22) was present in the bone marrow. During partial remission induced by cytostatics, the percentage of normal cells increased, and a cell line having a 46,XY,del(7)(q32) karyotype was found. After four therapy courses, when remission was complete, only chromosomally normal cells were seen. The cytogenetic data suggest that in this case the 8/21 translocation and loss of the Y chromosome were only secondary events.