Haematology mnemonic

Translocations in common leukaemias and lymphomas

The mnemonic

9-22 CML, 15-17 APL, 8-14 Burkitt, 14-18 Follicular, 11-14 Mantle

What each word stands for

  • 9;22BCR-ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukaemia
  • 15;17PML-RARA in acute promyelocytic leukaemia
  • 8;14MYC in Burkitt lymphoma
  • 14;18BCL2 in follicular lymphoma
  • 11;14Cyclin D1 in mantle cell lymphoma

Why it matters clinically

Each fusion has a diagnostic and therapeutic role, such as imatinib and retinoic acid.

Where it stops being reliable

Pairs numbers with disease only; many other translocations are not included.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Haematology mnemonic?

9-22 CML, 15-17 APL, 8-14 Burkitt, 14-18 Follicular, 11-14 Mantle. It helps you recall: Translocations in common leukaemias and lymphomas.

What does "9;22" stand for?

BCR-ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukaemia

What does "15;17" stand for?

PML-RARA in acute promyelocytic leukaemia

What does "8;14" stand for?

MYC in Burkitt lymphoma

What are all the parts of the 9-22 CML, 15-17 APL, 8-14 Burkitt, 14-18 Follicular, 11-14 Mantle mnemonic?

9;22: BCR-ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukaemia; 15;17: PML-RARA in acute promyelocytic leukaemia; 8;14: MYC in Burkitt lymphoma; 14;18: BCL2 in follicular lymphoma; 11;14: Cyclin D1 in mantle cell lymphoma.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Haematology in Pathology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Pairs numbers with disease only; many other translocations are not included.

How is this useful clinically?

Each fusion has a diagnostic and therapeutic role, such as imatinib and retinoic acid.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Pathology question about Haematology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.