Background:

Cytogenetic abnormalities observed in the bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are an important prognostic factor for risk stratification.

Aim:

To investigate karyotype characteristics and frequency of the high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities t(4;14), t(14;16) and del(17p) in Chilean patients with MM.

Material and Methods:

We studied 30 patients with MM by conventional cytogenetics (CC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization of plasma cells selected using cytoplasmic immunoglobulin staining (cIg-FISH).

Results:

Overall, the two techniques in combination allowed us to identify clonal genetic abnormalities in 47% of patients. The t(4;14) abnormality was observed in 19% of patients, del(17p) was observed in 10% of patients, and t(14;16) was not detected.

Conclusions:

Our results showed frequencies of high-risk abnormalities similar to those reported abroad. Cytogenetic studies should be performed routinely for all MM patients at the moment of diagnosis.