Detection of combinations of cytogenetic abnormalities in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes.

6591 Background: Recurring chromosomal aberrations are detectable in ∼70% of patients (pts) with CLL using interphase FISH. Four common abnormalities associate with time to treatment, clinical response, and survival. The frequency of multiple abnormalities and the significance of these combinations on outcomes has not been well described. Methods: We studied CLL cells from 171 consecutive pts using a standard protocol in our Cancer Cytogenetics Lab for del(13q), +12, del(11q), and del(17p). We measured survival from first FISH analysis. Median follow up was 15.5 months (range, 0-82.1). Results: 47 (28%) pts have died with a median survival of 58.8 mos. 17 pts were studied twice; 8 pts had unchanged FISH results; 3 acquired an additional abnormality [del(17p) in 2]; 6 lost an abnormality, most often reverting to normal. 5 of 6 pts who lost an abnormality and 2 of 3 who acquired an abnormality had received treatment during the interval. 39 (23%) pts had multiple abnormalities. By overlapping percentages of ...