Chromosomal aberrations suggestive of mutagen-related leukemia after 21 years of "therapeutic" radon exposure

Cancer Genet Cytogenet. 1990 Aug 1;48(1):125-30. doi: 10.1016/0165-4608(90)90225-y.

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman with acute myelomonocytic leukemia, who was treated annually for 21 consecutive years by "therapeutic" low-dose radon gas radiation because of spondyloarthritis, is described. The karyotype of the malignant clone was 45,XX, -17, -18,del(5)(q15q33), +t(17;18)(q11.2q23). In 45% of the metaphases, the modal number was between hyperdiploid to near tetraploid. Double minute chromosomes were demonstrated in 60% of the cells. These chromosomal aberrations are suggestive of mutagen-related leukemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Chromosome Banding
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / etiology
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Radiation-Induced / genetics*
  • Mutagens*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radon / adverse effects*
  • Radon / therapeutic use
  • Spondylitis / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Mutagens
  • Radon