Significance of molecular-cytogenetic aberrations for the achievement of first remission in de novo acute myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVE: The majority of adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) display acquired cytogenetic aberrations at presentation. In this article, we present the major cytogenetic findings regarding AML and review their clinical significance for achievement of the first complete remission.METHODS: We studied 71 adult patients with de novo AML, without previous myelodysplasia or alkylating therapy. Conventional cytogenetics and FISH were performed on bone marrow cells. The patients with AML were assigned to 12 subgroups according to established data for cytogenetic, molecular and general laboratory results. The selection of the analyzed parameters is consistent with internationally accepted “prognostic factors” in adult AML.RESULTS: Complete remission upon induction therapy was achieved in 40% of cases (in a mean period of 2.3 months from therapy initiation). The patients with t(15;17) PML-RARA and inv(16)/CBFbeta-MYH11 demonstrated the highest frequency of complete remission. Patients with hypodiploidy, t(9;22)/bcr-abl and complex karyotypes were therapy-resistant or died within the first three months after AML diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Molecular-cytogenetic findings have an important significance for achievement of first complete remission. However, laboratory and biologic features (age, WBC and LDH) and type of AML have a large influence on the disease outcome.