[Cytological and cytogenetic profile of 378 cases of acute myeloid leukemia in a Tunisian center]

Abstract

Introduction: Acute leukemia (AL) represents the first hematological malignancy diagnosed and treated in Tunisia.

Objective: To describe the demographic, cytological, cytogenetic and prognostic characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Tunisian center over a period of 11 years.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on a series of AML cases diagnosed at Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, between January 2009 and December 2019. Cytological analysis according to the French-American-British classification and cytogenetic and molecular analysis allowed to classify AML according to the World Health Organization recommendations of 2016. The prognosis was established according to the recommendations of European Leukemia Net.

Results: The diagnosis of AML was confirmed in 378 cases with a median age at diagnosis of 43 years and a sex ratio of 1.32. AML with maturation was observed in 31% of cases. Recurrent abnormalities were detected in 25% of karyotypes, dominated by the t(15;17) translocation. The latter was associated with 75% of promyelocytic LA. Cytogenetic abnormalities associated with myelodysplasias were detected in 17% of cases, 59% of which had a complex karyotype. AMLs without specificity accounted for 57% of AMLs. Furthermore, 55% of patients had an intermediate prognosis.

Conclusion: The lack of a Tunisian registry of hematological malignancies and the increasing incidence of AML, require epidemiological studies to establish the cytological and cytogenetic profile of the tunisian population. This will allow us to reinforce the diagnostic and therapeutic means with the ultimate goal of improving the survival of patients.