Progress in the cytogenetic techniques will allow to identify more aggressive cases of the blood cancer.

the Group cooperative Spanish Hematológica cytogenetics (GCRCGH) held its 4th National Symposium in Toledo under the title “ cytogenetic techniques advances in the diagnosis of the malignant Hemopathies ”.

-the Dr. Christine Harrison, President of the English group of cytogenetics Hematológica, first participated in this meeting with the aim of establishing new avenues of collaboration

Toledo, April 2012.- cytogenetics is the field of genetics which includes the study of chromosomes. Techniques used to study “ are essential in the diagnosis and prognosis of hematological neoplasms or cancer of the blood ”, according to points the white doctor Espinet, Coordinator of the Spanish cooperative group of cytogenetics Hematológica (GCECGH) of the Spanish society of Haematology and haemotherapy (AEHH). Thanks to this discipline, “ many of these malignant hemopathies have gone from being classified by their morphological characteristics to be based on the genetic alterations that are ”, adds. On the other hand, in some of these “ is possible to perform a series of determinations to establish a long-term Outlook ”.

In order to exchange views and update knowledge with regard to the application of cytogenetic studies in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of different types of hematologic cancers, the GCECGH has organized the fourth edition of its national symposium under the title “ cytogenetic techniques advances in the diagnosis of the malignant Hemopathies ”. New outstanding feature, Dr. Christine Harrison, President of the English group of cytogenetics Hematológica, participated for the first time in this event “ with the aim of establishing future collaborations with United Kingdom ”, said the expert. “ The event itself is an important point of encounter between the different specialists in the field ”.

Despite important advances that have been taking place in the development of these techniques, “ there are still cases of hematologic cancers which do not have any alteration recognizable cytogenetics ”, explains Dr. Espinet. “ Is why new technologies being developed as mass sequencing, allowing to decipher complete genome ”. The advance in the knowledge of the different types of genetic alterations associated with hematologic cancers “ will allow identifying those patients that they will behave more aggressively to adjust them the treatment ”. On the other hand, “ the better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the blood cancer will contribute to more effective and targeted drug design to combat these diseases ”.

Two are the main cytogenetic techniques that apply today in the diagnosis of hematological malignancies. First, the conventional cytogenetic bands G “ allows us to analyze the genetic alterations of large size at the chromosomal level ”, explains the expert. On the other hand, the technique of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) “ lets see genetic alterations of small size in specific regions ”. These procedures are important in a group very broad of malignant hemopathies, among which are especially acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemias chronic myeloid and mature B-cell malignancies (Lymphoma, chronic lymphatic leukemia and multiple myeloma primarily).

About the GCECGH

The Spanish cooperative group of Hematológica cytogenetics (GCECGH) is integrated by those members of the AEHH are engaged in the cytogenetic diagnosis of hematological malignancies. The Group was created in 1992 with the aim of improving the quality of the haematological cytogenetics in Spain. Since the GCECGH is carried out various initiatives, as the collaboration in the development of quality controls of conventional cytogenetics and FISH techniques for diagnostic laboratories, the Organization of symposiums and training courses, the realization of cooperative scientific papers that have been published in prestigious scientific journals.

On the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia (AEHH)

The AEHH is a scientific society whose purpose is the promotion, development and dissemination of integrity and content of the speciality of Haematology and haemotherapy in its aspects medical, scientific, organizational, health care, teaching and research. Fundamental is that society in general is aware of the hematologist participates in all the steps that lead to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood, and receives and understands the value of the professional role of the hematologist in all aspects of the exercise of the specialty.

With 53 years of life, the AEHH is today a powerful organization with a considerable scientific impact, because many of the more than 2,000 professionals who form part of it are internationally recognized figures for many years, helping to make it one of the most outstanding overseas Spanish medicine parts. An issue that is of particular concern within the AEHH is the obstruction of the progress of science and excellence in health care that has been taking place in recent years, through the establishment of purely economic measures. It is therefore essential for the better care of patients access to medical advances, promoting research and have specialists well trained and experts in these diseases.