TeloView ® technology predicts genomic instability in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous B-cell malignancy characterized by recurrent chromosomal abnormalities and variable clinical outcomes. Genomic instability plays a central role in disease progression, with telomere dysfunction emerging as a critical contributor. While the three-dimensional (3D) nuclear organization of telomeres has been linked to genomic integrity, its prognostic significance in CLL remains underexplored. Methods: In this study, we applied TeloView® technology to evaluate the 3D telomere architecture in peripheral blood samples from 28 CLL patients. Cytogenetic analysis identified key abnormalities including del(13q14), trisomy 12, del(17p13), and del(11q22). Quantitative parameters—such as telomere number, length (signal intensity), aggregate formation, nuclear volume, and a/c ratio—were assessed and compared across cytogenetic subgroups. Results: Patients with del(17p13) and del(11q22), associated with high-risk disease, showed increased telomere aggregation and shorter telomere lengths, reflecting higher genomic instability. Conversely, patients with del(13q14) exhibited more intact telomere profiles, consistent with a favorable prognosis. Trisomy 12 cases displayed intermediate features. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in telomere architecture between cytogenetic groups. Conclusion: 3D telomere profiling using TeloView® provides insights into the genomic instability landscape of CLL and aligns with established cytogenetic risk profiles. Although not novel, these findings reinforce the relevance of telomere dynamics as a potential biomarker for disease aggressiveness and risk stratification in CLL.