Chromosome analysis in hematologic disorders. The leukemias.

For two decades, cytogenetic studies have been used to rule in (or out) the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome associated with chronic myeloid leukemia. Beyond this single purpose, chromosome studies have generally not been utilized in or applied to the practice of hematology-oncology. This report presents male and female patients, teens to 70s in age, with representative hematologic disorders, in whom the cytogenetic findings were useful clinically. These cases illustrate the following principles: (1) hematologic disorders can be characterized by chromosome analysis; (2) chromosome findings help in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of blood diseases; (3) blood and bone marrow samples can be processed routinely for cytogenetic analysis; (4) these samples can be transported long distances from clinic to laboratory; and (5) the contemporary practice of hematology and oncology requires chromosome analysis for fuller evaluation and understanding of hematologic conditions.