Prognostic factor analysis in core-binding factor-positive acute myeloid leukemia

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases with t(8;21) or inv(16) have a favorable outcome, but the associated prognoses are heterogeneous and complicated by additional molecular aberrations. Patients and Methods: Between January 2000 to December 2010, 67 patients were diagnosed with t(8;21) or inv(16) AML. We collected cytogenetic variables and analyzed treatment outcomes. Results: Among 67 patients, 51 (7.8%) had t(8;21) AML and 16 (2.4%) had inv(16) AML. Thrombocytopenia, and a high percentage of blasts in the peripheral blood and bone marrow were associated with poor overall survival. Twenty-five (49.0%) patients with t(8;21) had an additional chromosomal abnormality, while only six (37.5%) patients with inv(16) AML had a secondary chromosomal abnormality. The most common chromosomal abnormalities were deletion of the Y or X sex chromosomes. Conclusion: Deletion of the Y chromosome may be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with core binding factor-positive AML.