Science Highlights
Published on April 14, 2026
Long-term outcomes and clinical significance of donor-derived del(20q) after HCT
by Bone Marrow Transplantation
Bouley C, Fang M, Radich J, et al. Donor-Derived Del(20q) Following Allogeneic-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Case With 26-Year Follow-Up and Literature Review. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2026; (doi: 10.1038/s41409-026-02801-8).
Although little is known about deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 [del(20q)], a donor-derived cytogenetic abnormality that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a literature review sheds new light on post-procedure outcomes. Researchers examined 20 published reports of donor-derived del[20q], representing the largest body of evidence to date on the topic. They also describe a case study of persistent donor-derived del[20q], with 26 years of post-transplant follow-up, the longest-running documented occurrence. Findings included detection of del(20q) a median of 16 months after transplantation, with 35% of patients advancing to donor-derived malignancy a median of 22 months post-transplant. Other clinical findings included asymptomatic persistence and cytopenias, while some outcomes were benign, such as stable persistence. The study authors say their results underscore the need for long-term follow-up and, potentially, use of molecular profiling to better understand the behavior of donor-derived del[20q] after HCT.
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