Correlation between cytogenetic and molecular analysis of t(14;18) in follicular lymphomas.

A comparison between cytogenetic and molecular results of t(14;18) has been performed in 12 patients with follicular lymphomas: five nodular and seven diffuse. Ten cases showed cytogenetic alterations with different markers, including a 14q+ in eight: in four it was the result of a t(14;18). Molecular analysis by Southern blotting with bcl2 probes from major and minor cluster regions, and PCR with primers from major and minor regions showed differences versus the cytogenetic results. The correlation found between cytogenetic and molecular results suggests other factors, such as geographical differences or different pathogenetic mechanisms, more than methodologic aspects, to explain the different frequencies of this marker among countries.