Abstract

Background: AML is a complex condition marked by the growth of immature cells of the myeloid origin. There is currently minimal data on the mutational spectrum of AML patients in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Methods: Samples from peripheral blood and bone marrow were collected from 100 AML patients and used for cytogenetic analysis. Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) using probes for detection of 5q, 7q, 3q, t(9;11), t(8;21), 11q23, t(6;11), t(15;17), and inv(16) chromosomal abnormalities for disease risk-stratification and classify AML.

Results: The median age was 37 with AML-M2 makes up 43% of all cases. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in 48% of patients. The most prevalent structural abnormality was t(8;21) in 14% of patients, followed by inv(16), t(15;17), 11q23 translocations, and inv(3) in 7% and 5%, and 3% and 2% respectively. In terms of numerical abnormalities, +8 was found in 7% of cases followed by loss of sex chromosomes (6%), +11 (3%), +21 (2%), and each -7/del(7q) and -5/del (5q) in 1%. Additional chromosomal abnormalities commonly found with t(8;21), t(15;17) and inv(16) were present in 12%, 4% and 4% of cases consequently. 28% of patients were classified as having favorable risk, 64% as having intermediate risk, and 8% as having adverse risk.

Conclusion: Here we provide the initial presentation of a cytogenetic profile of Kurdistan Region of Iraqi individuals who have newly developed AML. Findings can help in accurate diagnostic and improves accuracy of risk assessment and facilitates the use of therapy choices.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; Karyotyping; FISH; Kurdistan Region of Iraq