SECONDARY LEUKEMIA CHARACTERIZED BY MONOSOMY-7 OCCURRING POST-AUTOLOGOUS STEM-CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR AML

Secondary leukaemia has rarely been reported as a complication of auto logous stem cell transplantation for AML, We report two cases of AML w ho presented with well-characterised cytogenetic abnormalities at pres entation: t(8;21) and t(15;17) respectively, and who, after achieving complete morphological and cytogenetic remissions post-autograft, deve loped MDS/AML associated with monosomy 7. This secondary change is mos t frequently seen following alkylating agent therapy for solid tumours , The secondary leukaemia seen in our patients may thus be due to expo sure of the residual stem cells to the alkylating agents used in the t ransplant conditioning.