Development of acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) in myelomatosis.

On the basis of the literature, so-called secondary acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (S-ANLL) in myelomatosis is reviewed. Using the banding technique, cytogenetic changes including hypodiploidy and partially or totally missing chromosomes # 5 and # 7 are recorded. The findings are in accordance with the cytogenetic changes seen in S-ANLL in other malignancies which have been treated with cytostatics, especially alkylating agents. So, S-ANLL in myelomatosis seems to be a result of treatment with cytostatics, though a causal relationship has to be documented.