G-banding analysis of complex aneuploidy in multiple myeloma bone marrow cells.

Chromosome studies with the banding technique have been performed in a considerable number of cases of myeloproliferative diseases, but technical difficulties have so far prevented detailed studies of chromosomal abnormalities in multiple myeloma. The karyotypes of bone marrow cells from two patients with multiple myeloma have been analyzed by a trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. Evidence is given for clonal evolution which in one patient has probably occurred by cell fusion and subsequent chromosome loss. Eight different marker chromosomes are characterized. Nonrandom chromosomal participation in the translocations and the existence of specific vulnerable points on chromosomes 1, 3, and 16 are suggested.