ISSN:
1365-2559
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
In addition to predominant granulocytic proliferation, bone marrow morphology in Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph1+) CML is characterized by atypical dwarf or microforms of megakaryocytes. However, following therapy with interferon-α2b (IFN), these micromegakaryocytes occur less frequently. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the reappearance of normal megakaryocytes may be associated also with a reduction of the bcr/abl-positive cell clone.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods and results:Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) technique in combination with immunomorphometry (CD61) was performed on trephine biopsies. A total of 311 CD61-positive megakaryocytes, including precursors and atypical microforms, were evaluated in pre-treatment specimens derived from 11 patients with Ph1+ CML. A specific fusion site marking the bcr/abl translocation was found in 87% of megakaryocytes which showed a size of 169 ± 35 μm2. In untreated patients, atypical microforms (size 200 μm2) were observed in 66% of the total megakaryocytic population. Following IFN therapy 369 megakaryocytes could be analysed in sequential examinations and were found to display a significant decrease (63%) in positive fusion signals. In addition there was also a significant enhancement in average size (252 ± 66 μm2) reflecting a reduction in the number of micromegakaryocytes (43%). These findings were particularly conspicuous in three patients with a major to complete cytogenetic remission.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusions:A normalization of megakaryocyte size following IFN therapy in CML is significantly associated with a loss of the bcr/abl translocation site and therefore indicates a (partial) recovery of normal haematopoiesis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2559.1997.2480853.x
