Complex rearrangement in acute myeloid leukemia M2 with RUNX1/RUNX1T1 fusion involving chromosomes 8, 17 and 21.

BACKGROUND: The translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) is one of the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) sub type M2. About 3-5 % of cases with additional chromosomal abnormalities, including structural and numerical ones, are reported to include a complex translocation t(8;21;N). CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a chromosome rearrangement observed in a 19 years-old female diagnosed with AML-M2. When subjected to (molecular) cytogenetic analyses a complex three-way translocation involving chromosomes 8, 17 and 21 was detected, forming not a t(8;21;17) as one would expect. Real time-polymerase chain reaction analysis using 6 AML specific markers showed the presence of RUNX1/RUNX1T1 fusion gene transcripts identical to those found in classical translocation t(8;21) coupled with presence of FLT3-ITD mutation identified by fragment analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present case highlights importance of complex rearrangements rarely encountered in AML, suggesting that all involved regions harbor critical candidate genes regulating the pathogenesis of AML, leading to novel as well as well-known leukemia associated chromosomal aberrations.

An Original Complex Rearrangement Involving Chromosomes 9, 11, and 14, Harboring a Complex KMT2A Gene Rearrangement in an Infant With Mixed-phenotype Acute Leukemia.

KMT2A gene rearrangements represent the most frequent group of abnormalities in childhood leukemia (~70% of cases), with over 120 rearrangements described. The investigation of KMT2A rearrangements is still a vast field to be explored. Several studies have been characterizing different outcomes and leukemogenic mechanisms, depending on the translocation partner gene involved in childhood KMT2A-r leukemias. Therefore, the detection of the translocation partner gene, including in the context of complex rearrangements, may help to better delineate the disease. Here, we describe clinical and molecular cytogenetic data of a new complex variant translocation, involving chromosomes 9, 11, and 14, presenting a KMT2A gene extra copy and rearrangements, in an infant with de novo mixed-phenotype acute leukemia.

A new childhood ALL case with an extremely complex karyotype and acute spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common malignancy of childhood, with, after corresponding treatment, an overall complete remission rate of 90%. Approximately 75% of B-ALL cases harbor recurrent abnormalities, including so-called complex karyotypes (CK). Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a metabolic abnormality which may arise during cancer therapy and also, extremely rarely, as spontaneous TLS before initiation of chemotherapy in patients with ALL. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a 9-year-old male, diagnosed with a de novo pre-B-ALL according to the WHO classification. Cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic approaches and array comparative genomic hybridization analyses revealed a unique CK involving five chromosomes. It included four yet unreported chromosomal aberrations: a der(11)t(7;11)(p22.1;q24.2), a der(18)t(7;18)(q21.3;p11.22), del(11)(q24.2q25) and dup(18)(q11.1q23). Unfortunately, the patient died 3 months after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, a comparable childhood ALL case was not previously reported. Thus, the combination of the here seen chromosomal aberrations in childhood primary ALL seems to indicate for an extremely adverse prognosis.

An acquired stable variant of a dicentric dic(9;20) and complex karyotype in a Syrian childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia case.

BACKGROUND: About 25 years ago, the acquired chromosome abnormality dicentric dic(9;20)(p11 ~ 13;q11) was seen described as a non-random aberration in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Yet, about 200 cases were reported. However, dicentric dic(9;20) is a subtle abnormality which easily may be mixed up with monosomy 20 and/or del(9p). The dicentric dic(9;20) can be found as a sole chromosomal abnormality or can be masked within complex rearrangements; also, a dicentric dic(9;20) is often associated with mono- or biallelic loss of CDKN2A gene. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of 16-year-old male diagnosed with a de novo pre-B-ALL. Molecular approaches (array-based multicolor banding (aMCB) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)) were applied, and a unique complex karyotype involving six chromosomes was identified. It included three previously unreported chromosomal aberrations: dicentric dic(9;20;X), deletion del(7)(p22.2p15.2) and dicentric dic(7;13). The dicentric dic(9;20;X) also led to monoallelic loss of tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A. After successful chemotherapeutic treatment the patient experienced a relapse with a secondary ALL without complex karyotype but a deletion del(19)(p13). Unfortunately, the patient died after 17 months of the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, a comparable childhood ALL associated with such complex karyotype and deletion del(19)(p13) in secondary ALL was not previously reported. Thus, the complex karyotype with dicentrc dic(9;20;X) seems to indicate for a poor prognosis.

Complex karyotype with cryptic FUS gene rearrangement and deletion of NR3C1 and VPREB1 genes in childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report.

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by overproduction of immature B-lymphoblasts. B-ALL is the most common pediatric tumor and remains the leading cause of mortality in children and adolescents. Molecular and cytogenetic analyses of B-ALL revealed recurrent genetic and structural genomic alterations which are routinely applied for diagnosis, prognosis and choice of treatment regimen. The present case report describes a 4-year-old female diagnosed with B-ALL. GTG-banding at low resolution revealed an abnormal clone with 46,XX,?t(X;19)(q13;q13.3),der(9) besides normal cells. Molecular cytogenetics demonstrated a balanced translocation between chromosomes 16 and 19, and an unbalanced translocation involving chromosomes 5 and 9. A locus-specific probe additionally identified that the FUS gene in 16p11.2 was split and its 5' region was translocated to subband 19q13.33, whereas the 3' region of the FUS gene remained on the derivative chromosome 16. Overall, this complex karyotype included four different chromosomes and five break events. Further analyses, including array-comparative genomic hybridization, additionally revealed biallelic deletion of the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A/B, and deletion of the NR3C1 and VPREB1 genes. The patient passed away under treatment due to sepsis.

Molecular cytogenetic pilot study on pleomorphic adenomas of salivary glands.

Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of salivary glands are the most frequent entity of solid parotid tumors. Nonetheless, their genetics is not yet well understood. Thus, the current study characterized 14 PAs using a unique combination of cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic and/or molecular karyotyping based approaches. The current study applied G-banding based on trypsin treatment and Giemsa-staining in peripheral blood and tumor tissue. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using whole chromosome painting or centromeric probes. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization was also conducted. In 5 of 14 cases, chromosomal and/or submicroscopic alterations were characterized. Balanced and unbalanced translocations, loss or gain of whole chromosomes and submicroscopic copy number alterations were detected. Furthermore, the first case of a so-called 'jumping translocation' in a PA was reported. The genes twist-related protein 1 and distal-less homeobox 5 were also involved in copy number variations in two PAs. In conclusion, approaches utilized in the current study are highly suited to characterize the genetic constitution of PAs.

A New Complex Karyotype Involving a KMT2A-r Variant Three-Way Translocation in a Rare Clinical Presentation of a Pediatric Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Patients with childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with complex karyotypes (CKs) have a dismal outcome. However, for patients with a KMT2A rearrangement (KMT2A-r), the prognosis appears to depend on the fusion partner gene rather than the karyotype structure. Thus, a precise characterization of KMT2A-r and the fusion partner genes, especially in CKs, is of interest for managing AML. We describe the clinical and molecular features of a child who presented with a large abdominal mass, AML, and a new CK, involving chromosomes 11, 16, and 19 leading to a KMT2A-MLLT1 fusion and 2 extra copies of the ELL gene, thus resulting in the concurrent overexpression of MLLT1 and ELL. Molecular cytogenetic studies defined the karyotype as 47,XY,der(11)t(11;16)(q23.3;p11.2),der(16)t(16;19)(p11.2;p13.3),der(19)t(11;19)(q23.3;p13.3),+der(19)t(16;19)(16pter→p11.2::19p13.3→19q11::19p11→19p13.3::16p11.2→16pter). Array CGH revealed a gain of 30.5 Mb in the 16p13.3p11.2 region and a gain of 18.1 Mb in the 19p13.3p12 region. LDI-PCR demonstrated the KMT2A-MLLT1 fusion. Reverse sequence analysis showed that the MLLT1 gene was fused to the 16p11.2 region. RT-qPCR quantification revealed that ELL and MLLT1 were overexpressed (4- and 10-fold, respectively). In summary, this is a pediatric case of AML presenting a novel complex t(11;16;19) variant with overexpression of ELL and MLLT1.

A new adult AML case with an extremely complex karyotype, remission and relapse combined with high hyperdiploidy of a normal chromosome set in secondary AML.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal abnormalities are diagnostic and prognostic key factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, as they play a central role for risk stratification algorithms. High hyperdiploidy (HH), a rare cytogenetic abnormality seen commonly in elder male AML patients, is normally categorized under AML with complex karyotype (CK). Accordingly, patients with HH generally are associated with low remission rates and a short overall survival. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of 21-year-old female, diagnosed with a de novo AML-M1 according to WHO classification and a CK at diagnosis. Cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic approaches (standard fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), array-proven multicolor banding (aMCB)) and high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analyses revealed a unique complex but still near diploid karyotype involving eleven chromosomes was identified. It included pentasomy 4, three yet unreported chromosomal aberrations t(1;2)(p35;p22), t(1;3)(p36.2;p26.2), and t(10;12)(p15.2;q24.11), and a combination of two cytogenetic events, yet unreported to appear in together, i.e. a reciprocal translocation t(1;3)(p36.2;p26.2) leading to EVI1/PRDM16 gene fusion, and monoallelic loss of tumor suppressor gene TP53. After successful chemotherapeutic treatment the patient experienced a relapse to AML-M1, and she developed secondary AML-M6 with tetraploidy and HH. Unfortunately, the young woman died 8.5 months after initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, a comparable adult AML associated with such a CK, coexistence of 3q rearrangements with loss of TP53 at diagnosis, and HH in secondary AML were not previously reported. Thus, the combination of the here seen chromosomal aberrations in adult primary AML seems to indicate for an adverse prognosis.

Molecular approaches identify a cryptic MECOM rearrangement in a child with a rapidly progressive myeloid neoplasm.

Myeloid neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of hematologic disorders with divergent patterns of cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as divergent clinical courses. Rare recurrent genetic abnormalities related to this group of cancers are associated with poor outcomes. One such abnormality is the MECOM gene rearrangement that typically occurs in cases with chromosome 7 abnormalities. MECOM encodes a transcription factor that plays an essential role in cell proliferation and maintenance and also in epigenetic regulation. Aberrant expression of this gene is associated with reduced survival. Hence, its detailed characterization provides biological and clinical information relevant to the management of pediatric myeloid neoplasms. In this work, we describe a rare karyotype harboring three copies of MECOM with overexpression of the gene in a child with a very aggressive myeloid neoplasm. Cytogenetic studies defined the karyotype as 46,XX,der(7)t(3;7)(q26.2;q21.2). Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) revealed a gain of 26.04 Mb in the 3q26.2-3qter region and a loss of 66.6 Mb in the 7q21.2-7qter region. RT-qPCR analysis detected elevated expression of the MECOM and CDK6 genes (458.5-fold and 35.2-fold, respectively). Overall, we show the importance of performing detailed molecular cytogenetic analysis of MECOM to enable appropriate management of high-risk pediatric myeloid neoplasms.

A unique set of complex chromosomal abnormalities in an infant with myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) have an enhanced risk of developing acute leukemia, with the most common subtype being acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). Myeloid leukemia in Down syndrome (ML-DS) is considered a disease with distinct clinical and biological features. There are few studies focusing on the clonal cytogenetic changes during evolution of ML-DS. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe a complex karyotype involving a previously unreported set of chromosomal abnormalities acquired during progression of ML-DS in an infant boy: derivative der(1)t(1;15)(q24;q23), translocation t(4;5)(q26;q33) and derivative der(15)t(7;15)(p21;q23). Different molecular cytogenetic probes and probesets including whole chromosome painting (WCP) and locus specific probes, as well as, multicolor-FISH and multicolor chromosome banding (MCB) were performed in order to characterize the chromosomal abnormalities involved in this complex karyotype. The patient was treated according to the acute myeloid leukemia-Berlin-Frankfurt-Munich-2004 (AML-BFM 2004) treatment protocol for patients with Down syndrome; however, he experienced a poor clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: The molecular cytogenetic studies performed, allowed the characterization of novel chromosomal abnormalities in ML-DS and possible candidate genes involved in the leukemogenic process. Our findings suggest that the complex karyotype described here was associated with the poor prognosis.

GAS6 Oncogene and Reverse MLLT3-KMT2A Duplications in an Infant with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and a Novel Complex Hyperdiploid Karyotype: Detailed High-Resolution Molecular Cytogenetic Studies.

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease, presenting cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities which turned out to be critical prognostic factors. Ploidy changes as gain or loss of individual chromosomes are rare in AML, occurring only in about 1-2% of the affected children. Hyperdiploid karyotypes are exceedingly rare in infants less than 12 months of age. In this age group, structural rearrangements involving the KMT2A gene occur in about 58% of the cases. Among them, the translocation t(9;11)(p22;q23), KMT2A-MLLT3, is the most common abnormality accounting for approximately 22% of KMT2A rearrangements in infant AML cases. Here, we describe a 7- month-old girl with a history of fever and severe diarrhea, and a physical examination remarkable for pallor and hepatosplenomegaly. A novel complex hyperdiploid karyotype 53,XX,+X,+6,t(9;11)(p21.3;q23.3),+der(9)t(9;11)(p21.3;q23.3),dup(13)(q31q34),+14,+19,+21,+22 was characterized by high-resolution molecular cytogenetic approaches. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiplex-FISH, and multicolor chromosome banding were applied, revealing 2 reverse MLLT3-KMT2A fusions and a duplication of the GAS6 oncogene. Our work suggests that molecular cytogenetic studies are crucial for the planning of a proper strategy for risk therapy in AML infants with hyperdiploid karyotypes.

Multicolor Karyotyping and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization-Banding (MCB/mBAND).

Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) approaches are routine applications in tumor as well as clinical cytogenetics nowadays. The first approach when thinking about mFISH is multicolor karyotyping using human whole chromosome paints as probes; this can be achieved by narrow-band filter-based multiplex-FISH (M-FISH) or interferometer/spectroscopy-based spectral karyotyping (SKY). Besides, various FISH-based banding approaches were reported in the literature, including multicolor banding (MCB/mBAND) the latter being evaluated by narrow-band filters, and using specific software. Here, we describe the combined application of multicolor karyotyping and MCB/mBAND for the characterization of simple and complex acquired chromosomal changes in cancer cytogenetics.

Molecular characterization of KMT2A fusion partner genes in 13 cases of pediatric leukemia with complex or cryptic karyotypes.

In pediatric acute leukemias, reciprocal chromosomal translocations frequently cause gene fusions involving the lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2A gene (KMT2A, also known as MLL). Specific KMT2A fusion partners are associated with the disease phenotype (lymphoblastic vs. myeloid), and the type of KMT2A rearrangement also has prognostic implications. However, the KMT2A partner gene cannot always be identified by banding karyotyping. We sought to identify such partner genes in 13 cases of childhood leukemia with uninformative karyotypes by combining molecular techniques, including multicolor banding FISH, reverse-transcriptase PCR, and long-distance inverse PCR. Of the KMT2A fusion partner genes, MLLT3 was present in five patients, all with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, MLLT1 in two patients, and MLLT10, MLLT4, MLLT11, and AFF1 in one patient each. Reciprocal reading by long-distance inverse PCR also disclosed KMT2A fusions with PITPNA in one patient, with LOC100132273 in another patient, and with DNA sequences not compatible with any gene in three patients. The most common KMT2A breakpoint region was intron/exon 9 (3/8 patients), followed by intron/exon 11 and 10. Finally, multicolor banding revealed breakpoints in other chromosomes whose biological and prognostic implications remain to be determined. We conclude that the combination of molecular techniques used in this study can efficiently identify KMT2A fusion partners in complex pediatric acute leukemia karyotypes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

BIRC3 alterations in chronic and B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Deletions within chromosome 11q22-23, are considered among the most common chromosomal aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and are associated with a poor outcome. In addition to the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, the baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 3 (BIRC3) gene is also located in the region. BIRC3 encodes a negative regulator of the non-canonical nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) protein. Disruption of BIRC3 is known to be restricted to CLL fludarabine-refractory patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of copy number changes of BIRC3 and to assess its association with two known predictors of negative CLL outcome, ATM and tumor protein 53 (TP53) gene deletions. To evaluate the specificity of BIRC3 alterations to CLL, BIRC3 copy numbers were assessed in 117 CLL patients in addition to 45 B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) patients. A commercially available multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification kit, which includes four probes for the detection of TP53 and four probes for ATM gene region, was applied. Interphase-directed fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to apply commercially available probes for BIRC3, ATM and TP53. High resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization was conducted in selected cases. Genetic abnormalities of BIRC3 were detected in 23/117 (~20%) of CLL and 2/45 (~4%) of B-ALL cases. Overall, 20 patients with CLL and 1 with B-ALL possessed a BIRC3 deletion, whilst 3 patients with CLL and 1 with B-ALL harbored a BIRC3 duplication. All patients with an ATM deletion also carried a BIRC3 deletion. Only 2 CLL cases possessed deletions in BIRC3, ATM and TP53 simultaneously. Evidently, the deletion or duplication of BIRC3 may be observed rarely in B-ALL patients. BIRC3 duplication may occur in CLL patients, for which the prognosis requires additional studies in the future. The likelihood that TP53 deletions occur simultaneously with BIRC3 and/or ATM aberrations is low. However, as ATM deletions may, but not always, associate with BIRC3 deletions, each region should be considered in the future diagnostics of CLL in order to aid treatment decisions, notably whether to treat with or without fludarabine.

A novel IGH@ gene rearrangement associated with CDKN2A/B deletion in young adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acquired copy number changes are common in acute leukemia. They are reported as recurrent amplifications or deletions (del), and may be indicative of involvement of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in acquired disease, as well as serving as potential biomarkers for prognosis or as targets for molecular therapy. The present study reported a gain of copy number of 14q13 to 14q32, leading to immunoglobulin heavy chain locus splitting in a young adult female. To the best of our knowledge, this rearrangement has not been previously reported in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Low resolution banding cytogenetics performed at the time of diagnosis revealed a normal karyotype. However, retrospective application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) banding and locus-specific FISH probes, as well as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and high resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization, revealed previously hidden aberrations. Overall, a karyotype of 46, XX, del(9) (p21.3 p21.3),derivative(14) (pter-> q32.33:: q32.33-> q13 ::q32.33-> qter) was determined. The patient was treated according to the Polish Adult Leukemia Group protocol and achieved complete remission. The results of the present study indicate that a favorable prognosis is associated with these aberrations when the aforementioned treatment is administered.

Molecular cytogenetic studies characterizing a novel complex karyotype with an uncommon 5q22 deletion in childhood acute myeloid leukemia.

Deletions in the long arm of chromosome 5 or loss of the whole chromosome are rare in childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients. It is also unknown if the wide variety of breakpoints have diverging implications in the patient's outcome. Despite -5/5q- abnormalities have usually been described as a poor prognostic feature, however, the low frequency of -5/5q- in pediatric AML patients limits a full knowledge about this cytogenetic and clinical category, which is an intriguing factor for further research and new findings. Here, we report an AML child showing an uncommon deletion in 5q associated with 2 new abnormalities involving chromosome 2 within a complex karyotype well-characterized by several molecular cytogenetic approaches. Our work stimulates upcoming studies with more detailed descriptions about 5q abnormalities to better define its role in the stratification risk of such cytogenetic subgroup in childhood AML.

High rates of submicroscopic aberrations in karyotypically normal acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is not a single uniform disease. It consists of several subgroups with different cytogenetic and molecular genetic aberrations, clinical presentations and outcomes. Banding cytogenetics plays a pivotal role in the detection of recurrent chromosomal rearrangements and is the starting point of genetic analysis in ALL, still. Nowadays, molecular (cyto)genetic tools provide substantially to identify previously non-detectable, so-called cryptic chromosomal aberrations in ALL. However, ALL according to banding cytogenetics with normal karyotype - in short cytogenetically normal ALL (CN-ALL) - represent up to ~50 % of all new diagnosed ALL cases. The overall goal of this study was to identify and characterize the rate of cryptic alterations in CN-ALL and to rule out if one single routine approach may be sufficient to detect most of the cryptic alterations present. RESULTS: Sixty-one ALL patients with CN-ALL were introduced in this study. All of them underwent high resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Also DNA could be extracted from 34 ALL samples. These DNA-samples were studied using a commercially available MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) probe set directed against 37 loci in hematological malignancies and/or array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 21 of 61 samples (~34 %) applying FISH approaches: structural abnormalities were present in 15 cases and even numerical ones were identified in 6 cases. Applying molecular approaches copy number alterations (CNAs) were detected in 27/34 samples. Overall, 126 CNAs were identified and only 34 of them were detectable by MLPA (~27 %). Loss of CNs was identified in ~80 % while gain of CNs was present in ~20 % of the 126 CNAs. A maximum of 13 aberrations was detected per case; however, only one aberration per case was found in 8 of all in detail studied 34 cases. Of special interest among the detected CNAs are the following new findings: del(15)(q26.1q26.1) including CHD2 gene was found in 20 % of the studied ALL cases, dup(18)(q21.2q21.2) with the DCC gene was present in 9 % of the cases, and the CDK6 gene in 7q21.2 was deleted in 12 % of the here in detail studied ALL cases. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, high resolution molecular cytogenetic tools and molecular approaches like MLPA and aCGH need to be combined in a cost-efficient way, to identify disease and progression causing alterations in ALL, as majority of them are cryptic in banding cytogenetic analyses.

A cryptic three-way translocation t(10;19;11)(p12.31;q13.31;q23.3) with a derivative Y-chromosome in an infant with acute myeloblastic leukemia (M5b).

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the malignant transformation of hematopoietic precursors to a pathogenic cell clone. Chromosomal band 11q23 harboring MLL (=mixed lineage leukemia) gene is known to be involved in rearrangements with variety of genes as activating partners of MLL in different AML subtypes. Overall, an unfavorable prognosis is associated with MLL abnormalities. Here we investigated an 11-month-old male presenting with hyperleukocytosis being diagnosed with AML subtype FAB-M5b. In banding cytogenetics a der(19)t(19;?)(q13.3;?) and del(Y)(q11.23) were found as sole aberrations. Molecular cytogenetics revealed that the MLL gene was disrupted and even partially lost due to a t(10;19;11)(p12.31;q13.31;q23.3), an MLL/MLLT10 fusion appeared, and the der(Y) was an asymmetric inverted duplication with breakpoints in Yp11.2 and Yq11.23. The patient got hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from his haploidentical mother. Still three months afterwards 15% of blasts were detected in bone marrow and later the patient was lost during follow-up. The present case highlights the necessity to exclude MLL rearrangements, even when there seems to be no actual hint from banding cytogenetics.

The current state of molecular cytogenetics in cancer diagnosis.

Cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics are and will continue to be indispensable tools in cancer diagnostics. Leukemia and lymphoma diagnostics are still emphases of routine (molecular) cytogenetics and corresponding studies of solid tumors gain more and more prominence. Here, first a historical perspective of molecular tumor cytogenetics is provided, which is followed by the basic principles of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) approach. Finally the current state of molecular cytogenetics in cancer diagnostics is discussed. Nowadays routine diagnostics includes basic FISH approaches rather than multicolor-FISH. The latter together with modern high-throughput methods have their impact on research to identify new tumor-associated genomic regions.

Novel Cryptic Rearrangements in Adult B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Involving the MLL Gene.

MLL (mixed-lineage-leukemia) gene rearrangements are typical for acute leukemia and are associated with an aggressive course of disease, with a worse outcome than comparable case, and thus require intensified treatment. Here we describe a 69-year-old female with adult B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) with hyperleukocytosis and immunophenotype CD10- and CD19+ with cryptic MLL rearrangements. G-banding at the time of diagnosis showed a normal karyotype: 46,XX. Molecular cytogenetics using multitude multicolor banding (mMCB) revealed a complex rearrangement of the two copies of chromosome 11. However, a locus-specific probe additionally identified that the MLL gene at 11q23.3 was disrupted, and that the 5' region was inserted into the chromosomal sub-band 4q21; thus the aberration involved three chromosomes and five break events. Unfortunately, the patient died six months after the initial diagnosis from serious infections and severe complications. Overall, the present findings confirm that, by far not all MLL aberrations are seen by routine chromosome banding techniques and that fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) should be regarded as standard tool to access MLL rearrangements in patients with BCP-ALL.