Objective: To explore the molecular cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods: Bone marrow plasma cells from 23 previously untreated MM patients were purified by CD138 McAb magnetic cell sorting system, and a panel of probes for interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to detect the 13q14 deletion, p53 deletion and IgH gene translocation in the sorted MM cells.
Results: Among 23 MM patients, 13q14 deletion was observed in 10 (43.5%) cases, with the positive rate of 13q14 deleted cells ranged from 79% to 96%; 14q32 translocation was observed in 11 (47.8%) cases; 13q14 deletion and 14q32 translocation were simultaneously observed in 7 (30.4%) cases; and p53 deletion was observed in none of the 23 cases.
Conclusion: The frequency of 13q14 deletion and IgH gene translocation in multiple myeloma are high; and the relationship between 13q14 deletion, IgH gene translocation and prognosis is worth further investigating.