Using appropriate DNA probes, the configurations of the T-cell recepto
r beta-chain genes and immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes were studied i
n patients diagnosed as having the following malignancies: 7 chronic m
yeloid leukemia, 13 acute myeloblastic leukemia, 9 acute lymphocytic l
eukemia and 20 chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rearrangements not corres
ponding to the immunotype were unexpectedly found in lineage neoplasia
s.