The use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

As a result of the low proliferative index, only 50% of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases are adequate for cytogenetic analysis. Of these, about half have clonal abnormalities. The application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to CLL has substantially enhanced our ability to detect chromosomal aberrations; the incidence of a number of recurring abnormalities has been established, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of this disease with a direct impact on the prognosis. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.