Molecular-cytogenetic monitoring of different regimens of treatment

Abstract

Aim. To conduct molecular-cytogenetic monitoring of bone marrow cells in different regimens of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. Material and methods. A total of 651 samples of bone marrow from 319 CML patients were studied. 229patients receivedpolychemotherapy and 90patients - interferon-alpha. Primary examination and monitoring of the treatment efficacy were performed using G-differential chromosome staining. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was made in 75% cases. Results. Interferon therapy resulted in a significant increase in the number of complete and significant cytogenetic responses. With aggravation of the disease the above responses occurred less frequently while minor and no response are encountered more often. Treatment with interferon-alpha in combination with chemotherapy is much more effective than monotherapy with interferon. Conclusion. G-differential chromosome staining karyotypes metaphases and detects clonal chromosome restructuring. Molecular-cytogenetic methods study chromosome restructuring at DNA level. FISH detects chimeric gene bcr/abl in cases when Ph-chromosome is not detectable by standard cytogenetic methods.

Keywords

• chronic myeloid leukemia
• interferon alpha
• cytogenetic response