title: Tetraploidy and Y chromosome loss in acute mixed-lineage leukemia.
abstract: An unusual case of acute leukemia with mixed phenotype was followed up from diagnosis to death for about 12 months. The first cytogenetic examination revealed about 80% of the bone marrow cells in the diploid and 20% in the tetraploid range. After two courses of induction therapy, complete remission was achieved within 2 months. At this time the tetraploid cells were reduced to 3%, but 50% of the mitoses showed a Y chromosome loss, while the other mitoses had a diploid karyotype. Early intensification therapy was given 6 weeks later with slow recovery of blood counts. After four months a sharp decrease of the number of Y-missing mitoses was observed, while the marrow remained in full remission. Two months later a relapse occurred and the patient died. At this time the -Y clone had dropped to 2% and the tetraploid clone was totally absent. We conclude from these findings that the diploid clone was the most malignant one, whereas the -Y cells were probably not directly involved in the leukemic process.
authors.affiliation: Division of Human Biology and Human Genetics University of Kaiserslautern, F.R.G.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harth
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pees
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zankl
mesh_terms: D002871:Chromosome Banding; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011123:Polyploidy; D014998:Y Chromosome