Geographic/ethnic variability of chromosomal and molecular abnormalities in leukemia

Abstract

In 1963, Jean Bernard, a French hematologist, opened a new chapter in hematology called geographic hematology (‘Hématologie Géographique’). He distinguished two research avenues. One dealt with the differences between the various populations (ethnic hematology), the other with various environmental factors (environmental hematology). In recent years, focus has been put on analyzing the genetic susceptibility in cancer and hematological malignancies, particularly in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, using specific gene or (genome-wide association study) approach. However, almost 30 years ago, it was suggested by a few workers that chromosomal abnormalities observed in leukemia could have a geographic and/or ethnic distribution. In this review, we analyze the literature on chromosomal and molecular abnormalities in several types of leukemia.

Keywords:

• acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• acute promyeloblastic leukemia
• chromosomal abnormalities
• chronic myeloid leukemia
• fusion genes
• geographic distribution

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• The concept of geographic hematology was introduced by Jean Bernard, a French hematologist, in 1963.

• Differences in the frequency of several chromosomal and/or molecular abnormalities are observed between countries or populations.

• Frequency clustering is evident in some populations (Chinese, South America, etc.).

• Use of various methodologies is an obstacle for definitive conclusions to be drawn.

• A concerted international effort is necessary to determine whether an uneven geographic distribution of the chromosomal and molecular abnormalities in leukemia really exists.