A 25-year-old man presents with fatigue and fever. Bone marrow shows 60% myeloblasts with t(8;21) translocation. He achieves remission with induction chemotherapy. What is the prognostic significance of t(8;21) in acute myeloid leukemia?
- A Very poor prognosis
- B Intermediate prognosis
- C Good prognosis ✓
- D Requires immediate allogeneic transplant
Correct answer: C. Good prognosis
Explanation
The t(8;21) translocation creates the RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene and is classified as a core binding factor AML. This cytogenetic abnormality carries a favorable prognosis, with high rates of complete remission and potential for cure with high-dose cytarabine consolidation, unlike adverse-risk AML which requires transplant.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.