The RB1 (RB transcriptional corepressor 1, a.k.a. pRb) gene is located on 13q14.2 and encodes a protein which acts as a tumor suppressor playing a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and genome stability. Deletions of RB1 are frequently found in retinoblastoma. However, either monoallelic or biallelic deletions of RB1 are also common in a wide variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While 13q14 deletions exclusive of RB1 confer a more favorable prognosis in CLL patients, 13q14 deletions that encompass the RB1 locus (present in approx. 20% of all CLL cases) are associated with shortened survival. Hence, Fluorescence in situ Hybridization is a valuable tool for the detection of RB1 gene deletions and can be used in combination with further biological markers, morphology and clinical information for the prediction of disease progression and overall survival.