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Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a disorder with variable clinical presentation, but with constant and easily recognizable morphological features. The majority of cases are of B-cell lineage, the cells being characterized by IgM and IgD surface markers. In occasional cases monoclonal gammopathies with idiotypes identical to those of the SIg are produced. Some cases of CLL may be confused with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. The clinical and morphological features of certain other lymphoproliferative disorders have been summarized. Finally, a progression of B-cell differentiation along an immunoexpressive spectrum has been described and the relative position of CLL defined. A correlation of cell morphology and function is possible in most cases. The possibility that CLL may terminate in an acute blastic crisis or histiocytic lymphoma is raised. It is emphasized that LPD include a wide range of diseases, some being non-malignant, others of questionable malignancy, and still others being frankly malignant. Clinical, morphological and immunological data are required for diagnosis in some cases.

Fifteen patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) who either had a relapse after a previous complete remission (nine patients) or progressive disease after initial induction attempts with combination chemotherapy (six patients) were treated with 5-azacytidine. Five patients (33%) achieved a complete remission (CR); of these, three had a relapse and died 30, 35, and 38 weeks after 5-azacytidine therapy was begun. Two patients are still alive at 39 and 138 weeks. Chromosomes were analyzed at the time of diagnosis; ten patients had a normal karyotype and five had an abnormal karyotype. Three of the five CR patients had an abnormal karyotype initially. Two of these individuals had a translocation of chromosomal material from a No. 8 chromosome to a No. 21 chromosome, t(8;21); this particular translocation has been associated with a better prognosis than have other types of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with ANLL. Even when abnormal chromosomes are present, 5-azacytidine can induce complete remission in patients with previously treated ANLL.