High-resolution whole genome tiling path array CGH analysis of CD34+ cells from patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes reveals cryptic copy number alterations and predicts overall and leukemia-free survival.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) pose an important diagnostic and treatment challenge because of the genetic heterogeneity and poorly understood biology of the disease. To investigate initiating genomic alterations and the potential prognostic significance of cryptic genomic changes in low-risk MDS, we performed whole genome tiling path array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on CD34(+) cells from 44 patients with an International Prognostic Scoring System score less than or equal to 1.0. Clonal copy number differences were detected in cells from 36 of 44 patients. In contrast, cells from only 16 of the 44 patients displayed karyotypic abnormalities. Although most patients had normal karyotype, aCGH identified 21 recurring copy number alterations. Examples of frequent cryptic alterations included gains at 11q24.2-qter, 17q11.2, and 17q12 and losses at 2q33.1-q33.2, 5q13.1-q13.2, and 10q21.3. Maintenance of genomic integrity defined as less than 3 Mb total disruption of the genome correlated with better overall survival (P = .002) and was less frequently associated with transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (P = .033). This study suggests a potential role for the use of aCGH in the clinical workup of MDS patients.
Starczynowski
Daniel T
DT
Department of Medical Biophysics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada.
Vercauteren
Suzanne
S
Telenius
Adele
A
Sung
Sandy
S
Tohyama
Kaoru
K
Brooks-Wilson
Angela
A
Spinelli
John J
JJ
Eaves
Connie J
CJ
Eaves
Allen C
AC
Horsman
Douglas E
DE
Lam
Wan L
WL
Karsan
Aly
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D015513:Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012306:Risk
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins; D015513:Oncogene Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; C467563:TBC1D3 protein, human