Conventional and Molecular Cytogenetic Analyses in Turkish Patients with Multiple Myeloma

OBJECTIVE Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of malignant plasma cells, secreting monoclonal immunoglobulins and genetic abnormalities in MM have implications for disease progression and survival. In the present study, we investigated the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in Turkish patients with MM, using interphase FISH and CC and evaluated the relationship between the rearrangements detected, prognosis and stage of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed conventional cytogenetic and FISH studies in 50 patients to detect chromosome anomalies associated with MM. FISH probes were used to detect 13q14, 13q34, 17p13 deletions, IGH rearrangements, and monosomy and/or trisomy of chromosomes 5, 9, and 15. RESULTS CC studies could be performed in 32 of 50 cases and five patients (15.6%) showed chromosomal aberrations while 27 (84.3%) had normal karyotypes. By FISH, eighteen percent (9/50) of cases were found to be normal for all parameters evaluated. Eighty-two percent (41/50) of the patients were positive for at least one abnormality. Chromosome 13 anomalies were detected in 54% (27/50) of cases. The second most common aberration observed is chromosome 15 aberrations (50%). CONCLUSION Median survival rate was shorter in patients with one of the abnormalities including chromosome 13 aberrations, IGH rearrangements or P53 deletions. Chromosome 15 aberrations were significantly higher in patients with stage III disease (p=0.02). We conclude that FISH studies should be performed in conjunction with conventional cytogenetic analysis for prognosis in multiple myeloma patients.