CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults, in which the lymphocytes may look normal but are not fully mature and do not deal effectively with infection. Malignant cells, found in the blood and bone marrow, collect in and enlarge the lymph nodes, and may crowd out other blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells producing anemia.

CLL is most common in people over 60 and progresses slowly. In the first stages, there are often no symptoms. As time goes on, more and more lymphocytes are made and symptoms begin to appear such as a persistent feeling of fatigue, swelling of the lymph nodes, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and easy bruising and bleeding. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, removal of the extra lymphocytes, and bone marrow transplantation. Listed below are the most common chromosome changes observed in CLL patients.

• del(6q23) MYB

• del(11q22.3) ATM/CEP11

• trisomy 12

• del(13q14.3) D13S319/LSI13q34

• del(17p13) TP53/CEP17

• t(11;14)(q13;q32) CCND1/IGHG1

• t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGHG1/BCL2

FISH analysis can be performed to confirm diagnosis and/or monitor chromosome changes during treatment. Clinicians can order individual probes or the complete CLL panel. Please refer to the Cytogenetics for Hematology/Oncology Disorders test order form to order testing and to review the specimen requirements.

Karyotype analysis can also be performed to confirm the FISH results.

Cytogenetics for Hematology/Oncology Test Order Form