Molecular genetics in acute leukemia

Improved techniques in identifying the chromosome changes and the affected genes that are involved in acute leukemias have led to improved treatments for these diseases. Identification of consistent chromosomal changes has al lowed us to target the location of particular genes and has enabled us to f ocus our treatments more specifically to certain subtypes of leukemia. Tran slocations, in particular, are common cytogenetic abnormalities in human le ukemia, and the prevalence of certain types of translocations varies with a ge. Cancers, lymphomas and leukemias are now known to be genetic diseases a nd it is recognized that genotype-specific therapies should be used that ta ke into account the genetic alterations of the particular leukemia.