Leukemias are characterized by an idiopathic proliferation of a progenitor cell that is committed to a single cell lineage. However, leukemias with dual-lineage differentiation are being described, especially within the pediatric age group. The authors reviewed 118 cases of adult acute leukemia phenotyped by immunofluorescent flow cytometry; 7 cases demonstrated mixed cell lineage. Immunophenotypically these cases were defined by early B-lymphocyte differentiation (TdT, HLA-DR, and CD19) coexpressed with a myeloid receptor (CD13, CD15, or CD33) on the same leukemic cell. Routine cytochemical evaluation demonstrated punctate positivity of the blasts with naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase stain in five of seven cases. Cytogenetic analysis revealed structural abnormalities of chromosome 11 in four of the seven cases. Three of these studies showed a break at 11q23-24, the location of the human proto-oncogene ets-1. Clinically, two of these leukemias represented chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis, and all cases behaved aggressively. The authors' data suggest that mixed lineage leukemias are an identifiable subset of adult acute leukemias and are associated with a poor prognosis.

Incident pain related to bone metastases is a problematic symptom to treat. The difficulty in treating this type of pain is reflected in the wide variety of treatment modalities recommended. The aims of this prospective observational study were to determine the patterns of pain severity at rest and on movement over time and which treatment modalities are employed. In addition, we were interested in ascertaining any correlations between bone pain at rest, bone pain on movement and functional ability. Thirty-two patients were followed up for a mean of 22 weeks (range: 2-52). In total, there were 704 patient follow-up weeks. Patients were followed up for one year or until death. A total of 19 different treatment modalities were employed. There were strong correlations between pain at rest and pain on movement. There were no significant correlations between functional ability and pain at rest or movement. Our study demonstrates the complex management of patients with bone pain. This is the first study that highlights the correlation between pain at rest and pain on movement in patients with bone metastases in a palliative care population. It highlights the need for intensive follow-up of these patients, as they require multiple interventions to help control their pain. These data can also be used to power further interventional studies.

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A patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia (Kallmann's syndrome) had an associated chromosomal abnormality. Evaluation of the hypothalamic pituitary axis showed undetectable basal LH and FSH and slight increases in both gonadotropins in response to GnRH. Augmented gonadotropin response to GnRH after serial subcutaneous injections of GnRH confirmed a hypothalamic defect. Additional endocrine tests failed to reveal other hormone dysfunctions. A supernumerary chromosome was detected by routine chromosome analysis. The extra genetic material was identified by differential cytogenetic banding procedures as an accessory bisatellited marker chromosome originating from either chromosome group D or G. Chromosome analyses of both parents were normal. Our results suggest that, in at least some cases, the Kallmann's phenotype may be associated with a chromosome abnormality.