Novel complex translocation involving 5 different chromosomes in a chronic myeloid leukemia with Philadelphia chromosome: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background The well-known typical fusion gene BCR/ABL can be observed in connection with a complex translocation event in only 2-10% of cases with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). As currently most CML cases are treated with Imatinib, variant rearrangements have in general no specific prognostic significance, though the emergence of therapy resistance remains to be studied. Results Here we report an exceptional CML case with complex chromosomal aberrations not observed before, involving a 5 chromosome translocation implying chromosomal regions such as 1q42, 4p14 and 5q31 besides 9q34 and 22q11.2. Conclusion The reported rearrangement developed most probably in one initial step and had no influence on a good response during Imatinib treatment.