Adverse prognostic implications of chromosome 13 deletion.60 Overall survival (A) and event-free survival (B) are portrayed for 363 patients receiving Total Therapy II (up-front randomization to thalidomide; intensive induction chemotherapy with VAD, DCEP, CAD [cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, dexamethasone with PBSC collection, DCEP; tandem autotransplantations with melphalan 200 mg/m2; consolidation chemotherapy every 3 months times 4 cycles; and interferon maintenance). Prior to therapy, standard cytogenetics were performed on at least 20 metaphase samples by using standard Giemsa banding. Another bone marrow sample was subjected to interphase FISH for the detection of deletion 13 among 500 cells, counterstained with the disease-concordant antilight chain antibody. Survival was similar in the absence of cytogenetic abnormalities (no CAs) whether or not deletion 13 was detectable by FISH. Survival was shortest in the presence of metaphase-defined deletion 13 (FISH 13, CA); an intermediate outcome was observed in patients with other metaphase CA (no FISH 13, CA).
