Paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia: analysis by fluorescence in situ
hybridisation
Abstract
Background: Paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is heterogeneous.
Frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities varies from adults. Methods:
Children with de novo AML were included. Peripheral blood was analysed
for complete blood counts and bone marrow was analysed by fluorescence
in situ hybridisation for genetic abnormalities. Results: 53.6%
patients had cytogenetic abnormalities. Recurrent genetic abnormalities
were seen in 34.7%. Commonest recurrent genetic abnormality was
RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement seen in 14.4%, followed by PML-RARA
rearrangement seen in 8.6%, MLL gene rearrangement in 8.6% and
CBFB-MYH11 rearrangement in 2.8% patients. In children aged more than
five years, PML-RARA and RUNX1-RUNX1T1 were commonest whereas, in
children aged five and less, RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and MLL rearrangements were
the only recurrent genetic abnormalities. Patients with cytogenetic
abnormalities differed significantly with respect to hemoglobin, total
leucocyte count and platelet count. Conclusion: FISH alone can classify
patients into AML with common recurrent genetic abnormalities. However,
other methods are required for complete classification.