Chromosome studies in children and adults with leukemia.

Abstract

The study of the chromosome pattern (karyotype) of human leukemic cells is one of the most rapidly progressing areas of clinical research. As more patients are examined, we are now able to correlate the karyotype with the type of leukemia and with the patient’s response to therapy. Chromosome analysis of leukemic cells thus can provide information of both diagnostic and prognostic significance. The clinical usefulness is largely the result of new technical advances in staining procedures that allow us to identify each chromosome precisely with banding techniques.