Cytogenetic findings in polycythemia vera: a review and reevaluation.

Chromosomal aberrations reported in the disease course of patients with polycythemia vera are reviewed. Methodological pitfalls related to data collection, presentation and interpretation are pointed out. On the basis of the available information, it seems reasonable to conclude that chromosomal derangements are not specific to polycythemia vera and that clone formation is infrequent. The effect of therapy is manifested by an increase in the quantity of aberrations rather than in any specific type of aberration.