Cryptic and complex chromosomal rearrangements and the deletion of TP53 gene in a patient with leukemic mantle cell lymphoma

We present a case of leukemic mantle cell lymphoma with cryptic and complex chromosomal rearrangements, including multiple-way translocations involving chromosomes 8q24, 14q11/q32, 17p13.3, 17p13.1, 21q22, and 21q22; a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 10 [del(10)(q24)]; and a deletion of the TP53 gene in addition to t(11;14). We speculate that this series of chromosomal changes may disrupt the IgH gene, activate the c-MYC oncogene, inactivate the p53 tumor suppressor gene, and disrupt other cancer-related genes either within or flanking the chromosomal breakpoints. This combinational effect causes the progression of mantle cell lymphoma.