Two cases of acute
leukemia with a t (6;9) (
p23;34)
chromosome abnormality are reported. The first case was a 34-year-old female who was hospitalized in October 1989. A diagnosis of FAB-M1 was made. Chromosomal analysis of the bone marrow cells showed a 46, XX, t (6;9) (
p23;q34). Complete remission was achieved after two courses of BHAC-DMP
therapy. In September 1991, at the time of relapse, chromosomal analysis revealed two abnormal clones consisting of a 46, XX, t (6;9) (
p23;q34), -12, -17, +der (12) t (12;17) (p11.2;q11.2) with a residual normal clone. She died in February 1992. The second case was a 42-year-old male who was hospitalized in January 1990. He was diagnosed as having
RAEB. Chromosomal analysis of the bone marrow cells showed 46, XY, t (6;9) (
p23;q34). Three months later, the disease progressed to acute
leukemia accompanied by leg ulceration with leukemic cell infiltration. Small-dose
ara-C therapy was given, but with no effect. After two subsequent courses of
therapy with low-dose
etoposide, complete remission was achieved. Four months later, relapse occurred, and the patient died of
sepsis in February 1991. In the literature, 31 cases of
myeloproliferative disorders with t (6;9) have been reported.