Abstract
Leukemia with abnormalities in chromosome 11q23 have unique characteristics. We studied clinical, cytogenetic and immunologic characteristics of 3 patients with 11q23 translocation and 2 with other 11q abnormalities.
All cases with 11q23 were female and 2 were infants. The morphologic features were FAB-L1, L-2 and M-5. CD10-/HLA·DR+ phenotype was found in the 11q23 rearrangement. Chromosomal region 11q23 participated in translocation of the region of chromosomes 4 and 19. During treatment of 2 cases with 11q23, central nervous system leukemia occurred. One patient died of disease without getting complete remission during the course.
In the other 11q abnormality cases the age at onset was higher than that of 11q23. However, hyperleucocytosis occurred in both groups. FAB-L1 and M5 were also seen. LDH values were high and the treatment outcome was poor. There is a great resemblance in characteristics between 11q23 and 11q abnormalities.
Considering this adverse prognostic feature in these abnormalities aggressive chemotherapy containing bone marrow transplantation should be considered as one of the best choices for treatment.