IGH cytogenetic abnormalities can be detected in multiple myeloma by imaging flow cytometry

Henry Hui, Kathy A. Fuller, Luna Eresta Jaya, Yusuke Konishi, Teng Fong Ng, Richard Frodsham, Graham Speight, Kazuhiro Yamada, Sarah E. Clarke, Wendy N. Erber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims Cytogenetic abnormalities involving the IGH gene are seen in up to 55% of patients with multiple myeloma. Current testing is performed manually by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on purified plasma cells. We aimed to assess whether an automated imaging flow cytometric method that uses immunophenotypic cell identification, and does not require cell isolation, can identify IGH abnormalities. Methods Aspirated bone marrow from 10 patients with multiple myeloma were studied. Plasma cells were identified by CD38 and CD138 coexpression and assessed with FISH probes for numerical or structural abnormalities of IGH. Thousands of cells were acquired on an imaging flow cytometer and numerical data and digital images were analysed. Results Up to 30 000 cells were acquired and IGH chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 5 of the 10 marrow samples. FISH signal patterns seen included fused IGH signals for IGH/FGFR3 and IGH/MYEOV, indicating t(4;14) and t(11;14), respectively. In addition, three IGH signals were identified, indicating trisomy 14 or translocation with an alternate chromosome. The lowest limit of detection of an IGH abnormality was in 0.05% of all cells. Conclusions This automated high-throughput immuno-flowFISH method was able to identify translocations and trisomy involving the IGH gene in plasma cells in multiple myeloma. Thousands of cells were analysed and without prior cell isolation. The inclusion of positive plasma cell identification based on immunophenotype led to a lowest detection level of 0.05% marrow cells. This imaging flow cytometric FISH method offers the prospect of increased precision of detection of critical genetic lesions involving IGH and other chromosomal defects in multiple myeloma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)763-769
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology
Volume76
Issue number11
Early online date16 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'IGH cytogenetic abnormalities can be detected in multiple myeloma by imaging flow cytometry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this