Cytogenetics in the management of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Guidelines from the Groupe Francophone de Cytogénétique Hématologique (GFCH)

Curr Res Transl Med. 2023 Oct-Dec;71(4):103434. doi: 10.1016/j.retram.2023.103434. Epub 2023 Nov 24.

Abstract

Cytogenetic analysis is mandatory at initial assessment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) due to its diagnostic and prognostic value. Results from chromosome banding analysis and complementary FISH are taken into account in therapeutic protocols and further completed by other techniques (RT-PCR, SNP-array, MLPA, NGS, OGM). Indeed, new genomic entities have been identified by NGS, mostly RNA sequencing, such as Ph-like ALL that can benefit from targeted therapy. Here, we have attempted to establish cytogenetic guidelines by reviewing the most recent published data including the novel 5th World Health Organization and International Consensus Classifications. We also focused on newly described cytogenomic entities and indicate alternative diagnostic tools such as NGS technology, as its importance is vastly increasing in the diagnostic setting.

Keywords: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Cytogenetics; Cytogenomics; ICC classification; WHO classification.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Cytogenetic Analysis / methods
  • Hematology*
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma*
  • Prognosis
  • Societies, Medical