Cytogenetic Profiling of Myelomas, Association With Complete Blood Count: Study of 180 Patients.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the most common primary and secondary cytogenetic events in myelomas using a probe panel designed in our laboratory, and to associate those events with hematological and biochemical findings.

METHODS

Blood specimens from patients diagnosed with myeloma were processed to determine complete blood count and levels of albumin, creatinine, and beta-2 microglobulin. We evaluated bone-marrow specimens for plasma-cell percentage by light microscopy and for cytogenetic abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare hematological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

We observed immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene translocations in 43.3% and t(4;14) in 21% of specimens; t(11;14) was observed in 7.7% of specimens. Gain of chromosomes was observed in 67.2% and loss observed in 16.6% of specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Gains of chromosomes were observed in two-thirds of patients with myeloma. The most common IgH translocation was t(4;14); del13/monosomy13 was the most common secondary cytogenetic abnormality. Partial or complete tetrasomies were associated with higher beta-2 microglobulin levels.