Introduction: High-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a method of evaluating chromosomal alterations over the entire genome. We compared aCGH with routine cytogenetics and FISH in detecting genetic alterations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Methods: Array comparative genomic hybridization testing was performed on 55 cases of CLL in addition to a standard panel of FISH probes (ATM on 11q22, trisomy 12, 13q14, p53 on 17p13). The frequency of detecting abnormalities was compared, and discordant results between methodologies were compared.
Results: Fifty-five CLL cases [male to female ratio of 2.2:1 and a mean age of 71 (52-90)] were analyzed by both aCGH and FISH. This group of CLL cases showed genetic abnormalities by FISH (60%; 27/45). In contrast to FISH, aCGH detected genetic abnormalities in 82% (45/55) of CLL cases; aCGH identified genetic abnormalities not detected by FISH studies in 16% (7/45) of cases, whereas FISH identified abnormalities not detected by aCGH in only 7% (3/45) of cases. Rare recurring genetic alterations were detected by aCGH including losses in 6q, 8p, 10q, 14q32, and 18q and gains in 10q.
Discussion: Our findings suggest aCGH is an effective technique for evaluating recurring genetic abnormalities in CLL and improves on standard FISH in detecting genetic abnormalities in CLL.
© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.