Cytogenetic profile of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients in Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological stem cell malignancy causing uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells. Due to its heterogeneous nature, cytogenetics is utilised for diagnosis. Guidelines were also developed based on the types of acquired chromosomal abnormalities. Currently, the last cytogenetic profiling of local AML patients was conducted two decades ago. An updated cytogenetic profile of AML patients diagnosed between 2014-2023 was conducted with Moorman’s Classification, World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours, International Consensus Classification (ICC) of Myeloid Neoplasms and Acute Leukemias, and European LeukemiaNet (ELN). Types of abnormalities between local and overseas AML patients were also compared. The median age of local patients was 60 years, and almost 60% of the patients presented an abnormal karyotype. Based on WHO/ICC/ELN classification, AML with recurring genetic abnormalities (AML-RGA) patients were significantly younger than AML with myelodysplastic-related changes (AML-MRC)/AML not otherwise specified (AML-NOS) patients. Commonalities in the types of abnormalities were evident throughout countries, but precise abnormalities differed. To conclude, AML was mostly presented in older patients, and a significant age difference was apparent between AML-RGA and AML-MRC/AML-NOS patients. To further decipher the differences seen within and between countries, mutational and aetiological studies can be conducted.