The typical breakpoint cluster region/Abelson (BCR-ABL) fusion gene, which is located in the Philadelphia chromosome, in association with a complex translocation event is only observed in 2-10% of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). CML is diagnosed based on the presence of splenomegaly, increased peripheral white blood cells and the expression of BCR-ABL. The present study reports the case of a patient with CML that possessed complex aberrations involving 5 chromosome translocations, which consisted of t(1;6)(p36.1;q25) and t(9;22;11)(q34;q11.2;q11). After 2 months of follow-up, the patient is in remission following treatment with imatinib (400 mg/day) and hydroxyurea (3,000 mg/day). The hematological parameters of the patient were significantly improved and the white blood cell count returned to normal (from 361.00×109 cells/l to 6.83×109cells/l; normal range, 3.50-9.50×109 cells/l). The results of the ultrasonic examination revealed that the presence of splenomegaly had disappeared, indicating that the treatment strategy was effective. According to the outcome of the treatment, hydroxyurea in combination with imatinib is recommended for use in similar cases of CML.
Keywords: Philadelphia chromosome; breakpoint cluster region/Abelson; chronic myelogenous leukemia.