Chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia.

Clonal chromosome abnormalities are now detected in 65-85% of patients with acute leukemia. The specific chromosome abnormalities seen in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) generally differ and in both diseases are associated with specific clinical and hematologic features. Moreover, in both ALL and ANLL karyotype has been found to be an independent prognostic factor predicting achievement of complete remission and its duration, as well as survival, even when other risk factors are considered. Consequently, chromosome analysis is required in all newly diagnosed patients with ALL and ANLL.