Chromosome Pattern and Survival in Acute Non‐Lymphocytic Leukaemia in Relation to Age and Occupational Exposure to Potential Mutagenic/Carcinogenic Agents

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Abstract
The bone marrow karyotype was investigated in 98 patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to age. The 47 patients in group 1 were 20-54 (median 40) yr old. Twenty-one had a history of occupational exposure to chemical solvents, insecticides or petrol products, and 26 were considered not to have been exposed to such agents occupationally. In 4 exposed patients (19%) all bone marrow cells had clonal chromosomal aberrations (designated AA), while also 4 of the non-exposed patients (15%) were AA. In young ANLL patients, there was no significant association between occupational exposure to potential mutagenic/carcinogenic agents and the AA constitution of the leukemic cells. The 51 patients in group 2 were 55 yr of age or older (median 65 yr). Sixteen were exposed and 8 of these (50%) had the AA constitution. Patients [35] were non-exposed and only 4 (11%) were AA. It is known from previous studies that the survival of ANLL patients with AA is extraordinarily short. Accordingly the overrepresentation of AA in exposed patients 55 yr or older, was associated with a shorter survival than that of the non-exposed elderly patients. Apparently etiologic factors may influence the clinical course of ANLL, especially in elderly patients.