Abstract
Chromosome studies were carried out in five cases of multiple myeloma by peripheral leukocyte culture and direct preparation from bonemarrow cells. No chromosomal abnormality was detected by leukocyte culture in any of these cases. Analysis of bone marrow metaphase plates revealed abnormalities in four out of five cases. Chromosomal changes were characterized by their variability from case to case, as well as among different groups of cells in individual cases. Both numerical and structural anomalies were encountered. The chromosome series more frequently involved were C, A, G and B in decreasing order. The diverse chromosomal aberrations encountered in these four cases of multiple myeloma are reminiscent of those described in acute leukemias.
