The clinical significance of cytogenetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukaemia

During the last three decades it has become apparent that the majority of cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are characterized by at least one of a variety of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities. These changes have been found in many instances to correlate closely with distinct morphological features and clinical characteristics, the molecular basis of which is becoming increasingly understood. Furthermore, diagnostic karyotype has been shown to be a key determinant of outcome in AML, with mounting evidence to support the notion that cytogenetic analysis can serve to identify biologically distinct subsets of disease that demand tailored therapeutic approaches. This has led to a rising trend towards routine cytogenetic and molecular characterization of newly diagnosed acute leukaemia, providing a framework for treatment stratification.