Nonclonal Chromosomal Aberrations in Childhood Leukemia Survivors

• Published in: Fetal and pediatric pathology Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 243 - 253
• Main Authors: Chin, Tong Foh, Ibrahim, Kamariah, Thirunavakarasu, Tharshanadevasheri, Azanan, Mohamad Shafiq, Oh, Lixian, Lum, Su Han, Yap, Tsiao Yi, Ariffin, Hany
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 04.07.2018
• Subjects: Childhood leukemia survivors; genomic instability; karyotypic abnormalities; genomic instability; Childhood leukemia survivors; karyotypic abnormalities
• ISSN: 1551-3815; 1551-3823; 1551-3823
• DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2018.1492054

Background: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of developing a second malignancy. One possible mechanism for neoplastic transformation of cells is through induction of persistent genomic instability. This study aims to seek evidence of chromosomal instability in long-term childhood leukemia survivors (CLS) in one of the largest pediatric academic oncology centers in South East Asia. Methods: 50 asymptomatic (subjects have remained leukemia-free since treatment cessation) CLS and 50 healthy controls were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Of 50 CLS, 44 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 6 had acute myeloid leukemia. G-banded karyotyping was performed on unstimulated peripheral blood leukocytes of all subjects. Results: CLS had significantly higher occurrence of karyotypic abnormalities compared to controls. Five CLS harbored six nonclonal abnormalities (mostly aneuploidy) while none were found in controls. Conclusion: Subpopulations with nonclonal chromosomal aberrations were present in peripheral blood leukocytes of our cohort of childhood leukemia long-term survivors.