It also provides a prognostic determinant. The three karyotypes shown depict stages of AML during the course of the treated disease. Pelger-Hu t cells and hypogranular neutrophils are present. Blasts often contain many granules, and the nuclei may have a prominent nucleolus. Thin Auer rods are easily visible.
All chromosomes appear normal.
Generally, the appearance of additional chromosomal changes is associated with biologic progression of the leukemia. Immature cells from the marrow of a patient with M4 showing both granulocytic and monocytic features. In the schematic presentation of the translocation, the genes involved are DEK-CAN, as shown. Hypergranular blasts predominate. Cells contain bundles of delicate, needlelike Auer rods.