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The Association of Nuclear Blebs with Aneuploidy in Human Acute Leukemia¹

Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine [M. J. A., J. M. T., A. C., A. F.] and Developmental Therapeutics [J. S. H.], The University of Texas System Cancer Center, M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston, Texas 77025

In our laboratory, bone marrow studies that monitored acute leukemia patients in the active phases of the disease and in the remission state demonstrated an apparent association between aneuploidy and a specific ultrastructural cellular abnormality (nuclear blebs). In order to determine the extent of this correlation, bone marrow specimens from patients with acute leukemia were investigated by simultaneous cytogenetic and ultrastructural analyses. As an additional parameter of this study, a quantitative ultrastructural analysis was carried out in bone marrow samples from 20 of the acute leukemia patients, as well as from 6 normal controls. Results from these correlated studies show that, during the active phase of the disease, there is a definite correlation between aneuploidy and a high frequency of nuclear blebs. Successful response to therapy is accompanied by a marked reduction or total disappearance of the chromosomally and ultrastructurally abnormal cells. Conversely, impending relapse in these individuals is indicated by the reappearance of both nuclear abnormalities. These cytological alterations may provide a useful tool for evaluating patient response to therapy.

¹ Supported by USPHS Research Grant CA 12687 from the National Cancer Institute.

Received 1/21/74. Accepted 7/23/74.

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