Detection of Recurrent Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukemias Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Cytogenetic identification of clonal abnormalities present in leukemia is critical for accurate diagnosis of the disease and determination of specific therapeutic interventions for the patient. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies complement the diagnostic karyotype by providing a higher resolution of analysis with clarification of rearrangements observed by G-banding and identification of cryptic abnormalities not observed by the light microscope. This chapter will discuss FISH methodology as practiced in the cancer cytogenetic laboratory.