Chromosome abnormalities in human cancer and leukemia.

The meaning and application of chromosomal (cytogenetic, karyotypic) changes in human leukemia and cancer have been succinctly reviewed in this article. Thus, the usefulness of these changes in the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of various leukemic conditions and, more recently, of solid tumors is stressed and their application to molecular studies indicated. The meaning of primary (specific) and additional (secondary) karyotypic changes in malignant and benign tumors is discussed. Tables containing the common cytogenetic changes in leukemias and tumors, including benign ones, are included.