[Long term follow-up of three cases of acute myeloid leukemia associated with inv(16)(p13q22)].

Three cases of acute myeloid leukemia associated with inv(16(p13q22) were followed up for over 5 years. This chromosome aberration is generally thought to be a good prognostic factor. However, it is also reported that these patients are apt to relapse and have relatively high frequency of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The first patient (M4Eo), who died of gastric cancer about 5 years after the initial treatment without frank relapse, did not have prophylactic therapy for CNS involvement. The second patient (M5b) developed meningeal leukemia and myeloblastoma of the brain, showing similar findings on CT scan to cases reported by Holms et al. He was treated successfully with whole brain irradiation and intrathecal injection of ara-C and MTX, and intracranial tumor disappeared on CT and MR imaging. He has been enjoying a good quality of life without any complication for over ten years after the initial diagnosis. The third patient (M4Eo) relapsed once but reentered complete remission with relative ease and we used an intrathecal injection prophylactically. This case has been followed up as an outpatient for more than 5 years since onset. On the basis of these findings, it may be concluded that these leukemia patients with inv(16)(p13q22) have good prognosis and can be cured with chemotherapy.