Zenon Gibas

A possible specific chromosome change in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Chromosome changes were ascertained in nine tumor samples from seven untreated patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. All tumors analyzed showed abnormal karyotypes. In one tumor, a single numerical abnormality (+7) was the sole detectable change. From 1 to 19 structurally abnormal chromosomes could be identified in the remaining 8 tumors. The same abnormality, an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome #5, was found in five tumors from four patients. We have previously described the presence of this marker chromosome in three of nine cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. We therefore conclude that i(5p) constitutes the most consistent nonrandom chromosome abnormality in this malignancy. Other chromosomes most frequently involved in structural changes in the present series of tumors were chromosomes #1, #6, #11, and #13.

Chromosome changes in malignant mesothelioma

Cytogenetic study was made of mesothelioma cells from 14 patients. Metaphases were obtained from 12 tumors and revealed aneuploidy and clonal abnormalities in 9 specimens. In the two remaining cases, no metaphases were obtained. The cytogenetic abnormalities were complex, and up to 12 marker chromosomes were observed in the tumors. Rearrangements of chromosomes #1, #2, #3, #6, #9, #11, #17, and #22 were most frequently observed. Chromosome markers involved diverse bands, including several that are loci of oncogenes, fragile sites, and nonrandom rearrangements in other types of cancer. This study shows that the karyotypes of malignant mesothelioma can be analyzed by standard cytogenetic techniques. Additional studies of untreated mesothelioma may help to distinguish primary cytogenetic changes from effects of prior therapy in some of our patients.

Chromosome changes in germ cell tumors of the testis

Chromosome analysis was performed on short-term cultures established from samples of six tumors of the testis. Histologically, four tumors were embryonal cell carcinomas (three primary, one metastatic) and two of mixed histology with predominance of teratoma. The modal chromosome number was hypotriploid in four tumors, triploid in one, and hypertriploid in another. All tumors contained structurally abnormal chromosomes, ranging in number from 1 to 10 in different cases. A small metacentric marker chromosome, identified as an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome #12 [i(12p)], was present in all tumors analyzed. Unlike other marker chromosomes, this one was invariably present in at least two copies per metaphase in all cases; all other chromosome markers were present in single copy in all tumors. Together with the previous reports on the presence of i(12p) in seminoma and teratoma of the testis, our findings suggest that this karyotypic abnormality is characteristic for all histologic varieties of germ cell tumors of the testis.

A high-resolution study of chromosome changes in a human prostatic carcinoma cell line (LNCaP)

A high-resolution study of chromosomal rearrangements in a human prostatic cancer cell line, LNCaP, has been performed. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a pseudodiploid karyotype and the presence of seven marker chromosomes resulting from five aberrational events. The analysis of four clones derived from the original line showed a near-tetraploid chromosome number and the presence of the same seven markers observed in the original line. This is the first complete description of karyotypic rearrangements in a prostatic cancer cell line.

Clonal chromosome rearrangements in a uterine myoma

A cytogenetic study of a myoma of uterus with extensive hyaline, myxoid, and cystic degeneration revealed a clonal karyotype with a complex structural rearrangement involving chromosomes #3, #12, #14, #17, and #22. The modal chromosome number of the tumor was 45 due to monosomy #22. Analysis of seven additional myomas of the uterus including five tumors with typical histology and two with degenerative changes showed no clonal abnormalities. Single metaphases with a trisomy and a translocation were detected in two tumors. We conclude that although many uterine myomas appear to have normal karyotypes, clonal chromosome abnormalities are present in some of these tumors.

Involvement of chromosomes 7 and 12 in large bowel cancer: trisomy 7 and 12q-.

Cytogenetic analysis of an adenocarcinoma of the large bowel with some villous features revealed consistent chromosome changes: trisomy of chromosomes No. 7, 12, and 20 and a deletion of part of the long arm of a chromosome No. 12. Examination of the chromosome findings in previously published cases of large bowel cancers and the data presented in this paper lead us to suggest that trisomy No. 7 and 12q- may be nonrandom (primary) karyotypic changes in a subgroup of large bowel cancers.

Chromosome abnormalities in two benign adipose tumors

Two histologically benign adipose tumors were found to have clonal karyotypic changes. Del(4), del(6), and inv(13) were present in a fibrolipoma, and t(7;8) in a lipoblastoma. Additional studies are needed of the frequency and malignant potential of lipomas with cytogenetic abnormalities.

Chromosome 6 in malignant melanoma

Cytogenetic analysis of malignant melanoma (MM) cells from a number of cases revealed the frequent involvement of chromosome 6 in structural aberrations. The relevance of these findings to certain aspects of MM is briefly discussed.

Methodologic advances in the cytogenetic analysis of human solid tumors

The major obstacle to successful cytogenetic analysis of human solid tumors is the acquisition of sufficient numbers of good quality metaphases for detailed cytogenetic analysis. At present, no single methodologic approach has been proven to provide successful chromosomal analysis of all human solid tumors. The technical aspects of cell culture, chromosome harvesting, and chromosome banding were the focus of considerable discussion during the First Workshop on Chromosomes in Solid Tumors. This report provides summaries of several technical protocols, emanating from several different laboratories, which have contributed to successful chromosome analysis of a variety of human solid tumors.

Chromosome rearrangements in a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Cytogenetic analysis of a metastatic tumor derived from an adenocarcinoma of the prostate revealed a hypodiploid karyotype with the presence of six marker chromosomes. The findings are discussed in relation to cytogenetic findings in other cancers, including those in prostatic cancer.