Question

What condition is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome?

Options

• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

• Multiple Myeloma

• Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Answer 1

The Philadelphia chromosome (translocation t(9;22) involving the fusion of chromosome 9 and 22) is characteristic of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. This balanced translocation results in the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which produces a constitutively active tyrosine kinase protein that drives cancer development. It is found in approximately 95% of CML cases.