Product Description:
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common leukemia in the western world, is a genetically heterogeneous disease with anomalies best detected by utilizing a combination of conventional cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Abnormalities of chromosome region 14q32 (IGH), specifically deletions within IGH, are common in CLL and are not readily visualized cytogenetically, but are noted by FISH. Most often, a partial deletion of 14q32 is observed, resulting in either a 3 (centromeric) or a 5 (telomeric) deletion with variation in size and gene region. There is a paucity of investigations regarding the frequency, diversity, and clinical impact of 14q deletions. This pilot investigation of six cases has facilitated our understanding of the variation that exists in 14q32 deletions in CLL and underscores the need for comprehensive testing with clinical correlation in this CLL cohort with partial IGH deletions.