Cytogenetics, FISH Panel for CLL

The CLL FISH panel is used to ascertain common recurrent genetic abnormalities that have known prognostic significance in CLL when detected by interphase FISH analysis. Use at the time of diagnosis of CLL for prognostic information and to differentiate from mantle cell lymphoma associated with the t(11;14), and, at progression or relapse to detect clonal evolution. The panel includes tests for the following chromosome abnormalities using probes for the specific gene locus (in italics); deletion of 13q at 13q14.3, del(13q), (D13S319); trisomy 12, +12, (D12Z3); deletion of 11q at 11q22.3, del(11q), (ATM); deletion of 17p at 17p13.1, del(17p), (TP53); and translocation of 11q13 and 14q32, t(11;14)(q13;q32), (IGH/CCND1). Note: while other hematologic malignancies frequently carry similar genetic abnormalities, the prognostic significance may differ significantly from that found for CLL. Also, this test cannot discern for all loci tested whether the clonal abnormalities detected are present in the same clonal population or whether independent clonal proliferations are present. Thus, if myelodysplastic syndrome is suspected a bone marrow sample should be sent for standard cytogenetic analysis.