Molecular biology of leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current tests for diagnosis and the implications of cytogenetic analysis in leukemia.


METHODS
Professional journals, books.


CONCLUSIONS
Leukemia is a genetic disorder with more than 500 recurring translocations. Recurrent chromosomal changes occur in more than one half of all cases of leukemia. Testing includes bone marrow biopsy and aspirate, histochemical staining, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular markers. Characterization of specific chromosome changes provides information in determining initial therapy and post-remission therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must continually educate themselves to stay current with developing technology and the results of continuing research. This professional education must then be translated to the bedside throughout the continuum of care.
Wujcik
Debra
D
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 691 Preston Research Bldg, Nashville, TN 37232-6868, USA.
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D001856:Bone Marrow Examination / Q000379:methods; D019046:Bone Marrow Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping / Q000379:methods; D007621:Karyotyping / Q000379:methods; D007938:Leukemia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D011379:Prognosis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor