Deletion 3p in two lung adenocarcinomas metastatic to the brain

Cytogenetic Analysis in 28 Radically Operated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Preliminary Considerations

Twenty-eight radically operated non-small-cell lung cancer patients were analyzed with regard to chromosomal assessment and DNA content: in 13 cases, different quantitative/ qualitative chromosome alterations were found. In particular, in 12 cases marker chromosomes and cytogenetic abnormalities in euploid cells were demonstrated. The prognostic value of these findings will be aim of further studies.

A molecular cytogenetic study of chromosome 3 rearrangements in small cell lung cancer: consistent involvement of chromosome band 3q13.2

To more precisely determine the nature of chromosome 3 rearrangements in small cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs), we have applied molecular cytogenetic technologies to a newly characterized SCLC tumor and five SCLC cell lines. Fluorescent in situ hybridization, chromosome microdissection, and, on the previously uncharacterized tumor, spectral karyotyping was utilized to determine chromosome 3 rearrangements. In all cases, our studies were performed on previously G-banded chromosomes in a sequential manner to facilitate a direct comparison. A consistent breakpoint on the long arm of chromosome 3 at band 3q13.2 was identified in all six tumors. This breakpoint was commonly the result of complex chromosomal rearrangements. Loss of the entire short arm of a chromosome 3 was noted in all six tumor cultures. Two of these cell lines had two sublines, one of which contained a 3q13.2 rearrangement and the other of which contained a chromosome rearrangement that resulted in loss of a chromosome 3 short arm. This consistent rearrangement at chromosome band 3q13.2, as demonstrated by molecular cytogenetic methods, may indicate the location of a gene important in the tumorigenesis of SCLC.

Cytogenetic findings in thirty lung carcinoma patients

Primary tissue cultures of human lung tumors were prepared from 30 cases of which 16 were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, six adenocarcinoma, four adenosquamous cell carcinoma, three large cell carcinoma, and one small cell lung carcinoma. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 26 cases by cytogenetic studies with a GTG banding technique. Specific chromosome bands frequently involved in structural abnormalities were seen on 1p11, 1q11, 2p10, 6p10, 7q11, 7q22, 7q32, 8q22, 9q22, 11q11, 21q10, and Xq24. We assumed that especially i(2)(p10), i(9)(p10), i(21)(q10), t(11;12), t(14;15), del(X)(q24), and loss of the Y chromosome may play a role in the development of lung cancer as secondary changes. In this way, our cytogenetic findings provide evidence that multiple genetic lesions are associated with the pathogenesis of lung cancer.

Advances in the analysis of chromosome alterations in human lung carcinomas

A review of chromosomal analyses of human lung carcinomas is presented. Karyotypic studies have revealed multiple cytogenetic changes in most small cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs) and non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). In SCLCs, losses from 3p, 5q, 13q, and 17p predominate; double minutes associated with amplification of members of the MYC oncogene family may be common late in disease. In NSCLCs, deletions of 3p, 9p, and 17p, +7, i(5)(p10), and i(8)(q10) often are reported. The recurrent deletions encompass sites of tumor suppressor genes commonly inactivated in lung carcinomas, such as CDKN2 (9p21), RB1 (13q14), and TP53 (17p13). Despite technical advances in cell culture, the rate of successful karyotypic analysis of lung carcinomas has remained low. Alternative molecular cytogenetic methods to assess chromosome changes in lung cancer, particularly comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis, are discussed. Initial CGH studies confirm the existence of many of the karyotypic imbalances identified earlier in lung cancer and have revealed several recurrent abnormalities, such as 10q- in SCLC, that had not been recognized previously. The further application of such molecular cytogenetic approaches should enable investigators to define more precisely the spectrum and clinical implications of chromosome alterations in lung cancer.

Cytogenetics of non-small cell lung cancer: simple technique for obtaining high quality chromosomes by fine needle aspirate cultures

Cytogenetic analysis of six non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) was carried out on overnight cultures of tumor material obtained from transthoracic fine needle aspirates to determine karyotype changes involved in the early stages of the disease. Multiple chromosome alterations were characterized. Numerical abnormalities included additional copies of chromosomes 3, 7, 8, 16, 17, and loss of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 9, 12, 20, 21, and 22. Structural alterations included deletion or derivative chromosome 3 (band p14 or p21) in 5 patients. Clustering of other break points including 16q21, 17p13, 11p15, 15p12, 8p23, 4q27, 9p21, 12p13, 14p12, and i(Xq) was observed in the descending order of their involvement. These clonal abnormalities may be indicative of critical molecular events in the etiology of NSCLC.

Detection of aneuploidy in interphase nuclei from non-small cell lung carcinomas by fluorescence in situ hybridization using chromosome-specific repetitive DNA probes

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is particularly useful for detecting chromosome changes in tumors exhibiting a low mitotic index, as is the case in many human non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). A panel of centromeric DNA probes specific for the autosomes 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, and 18 was used to analyze 17 primary NSCLCs. Evidence for aneuploidy was obtained in all specimens. Gain of part or all of chromosome 7 was especially prominent, occurring in a large population of cells in each of 14 tumors (82%). Extra centromeric copies of chromosomes 6, 12, and 17 were also common, being observed in 9 to 11 cases each. Gain of chromosome 9 was infrequent (three tumors). In two cases, most of the nuclei had only a single chromosome 9 fluorescent signal. Karyotypic findings were available for six cases and were generally consistent with the FISH data. Both methods revealed considerable heterogeneity within individual tumors. NSCLC specimens from 26 males were assayed with a Y-specific centromeric sequence; loss of the Y was observed in 13 cases (50%). These investigations demonstrate the feasibility of interphase FISH for the successful analysis of numerical chromosome changes in NSCLCs.

Cytogenetic analysis of 63 non-small cell lung carcinomas: recurrent chromosome alterations amid frequent and widespread genomic upheaval

A detailed cytogenetic analysis of 63 non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) was carried out for identification of recurrent chromosomal alterations. Most specimens displayed very complex karyotypes with multiple numerical and structural changes (median number, 31). Losses of chromosomes 9 (65% of cases) and 13 (71%) were the most frequent numerical changes. Loss of the Y was often observed in tumors from males. Gain of chromosome 7 was also frequent (41%). Chromosome arms 1p, 1q, 3p, 3q, 6q, 7q, 8q, 9p, 11q, 17p, and 19q were particularly prone to rearrangement. The chromosome arm most often contributing to losses was 9p (79%). Other arms that were frequently lost included 3p, 6q, 8p, 9q, 13q, 17p, 18q, 19p, 21q, 22q, and the short arm of each acrocentric chromosome. The percentage of cases with loss of 3p was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (94%) than in adenocarcinomas (60%). There was also a statistically significant increase in the proportion of cases with gains of 1q, 7p, and 11q in adenocarcinomas compared to squamous cell carcinomas. Several recurrent isochromosomes and unbalanced exchanges were found. Among these was i(5p), which was observed in nine tumors, eight of which displayed adenomatous features. An i(8q) was identified in six cases, including five adenocarcinomas. Double minutes and/or homogeneously staining regions were seen in seven specimens. These data indicate that numerous chromosome alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC and that, amid this widespread genomic disarray, recurrent abnormalities exist that could have biological and clinical implications.

Biologic Charachterization of Pleural Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma: Description of the New DV90 Cell Line

Aims and background

The characterization of pleural metastases from lung adenocarcinoma is often limited to single biologic features.

Methods

The present paper describes the cellular kinetic parameters, as well as immunocytochemical, ultrastructural and genetic characteristics of the new DV90 cell line, established from the pleural effusion of a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma.

Results

The cell line has a diploid DNA content, a doubling time of 24 h and 7% cloning efficiency, it is tumorigenic in nude mice. Ultrastructural investigation revealed the typical features of lung adenocarcinoma; the diagnosis was confirmed by its immunohistochemical reactivity with a panel of monoclonal antibodies specifically capable of identifying adenocarcinoma cells. Genetic analysis revealed a 46 X, –Y, +8, der (6)t(6?)(q27;?) karyotype and hyperexpression of the protein codified by genes Her2/Neu and p53.

Conclusion

The importance of multidisciplinary biologic characterization in identifying the origin and biological behavior of pleural metastases deriving from lung adenocarcinoma is discussed.

Surgery for brain metastases from nonsmall cell lung carcinomas and tissue cultures from the resected specimens

Between 1978 and 1989, 44 patients underwent 44 thoracotomies and 55 craniotomies for nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and its brain metastases. Patients ages ranged from 20 to 75 years. There were no intraoperative mortalities. The 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates following the initial craniotomy were 23%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Patient survival did not differ with respect to solitary or multiple metastases or the sequence of surgery for primary lesion and brain metastases. Moreover, there was no significant difference in survival between patients treated by surgery alone and those receiving surgery followed by whole brain radiotherapy. After 1985, in vitro tissue culture was attempted using freshly resected specimens of brain metastases obtained from 30 consecutive cases. Of those specimens, nine (30%) were successfully established as permanent cell lines. Eight of those cell lines revealed DNA-aneuploid pattern on flow cytometric analysis. The remaining cell line was not analyzed. Karyotype analysis was also performed in eight of nine established cell lines. Two adenocarcinoma cell lines showed the presence of +3p- chromosome, and three showed +7q- chromosome as recurrent chromosomal abnormalities. These findings provide new evidence concerning the presence of 3p- and/or 7q- marker chromosomes in certain adenocarcinoma cell lines established from brain metastases. The prognosis was poorer in the group with in vitro tumor growth than that in the group showing no in vitro tumor growth. These cell lines established from brain metastases may be useful materials not only for studying the biological characteristics and chemo-sensitivity testing, but also for estimating prognoses after resection of brain metastases.

Cytogenetic Findings in Primary Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows a complex cytogenetic heterogeneity and up to now no particular chromosomal aberration seems to characterize its malignant evolution. We therefore performed cytogenetic analyses of 20 primary NSCLC, 8 adenocarcinomas and 12 squamous cell carcinomas on direct preparations or short-term cultures. Only 1 case was analyzed after long-term culture. Results were obtained from 11 samples and clonal rearrangements were found in 3 cases, a diploid and a near-triploid clone with several aberrations such as i (9q), rob (14; 15) and rob (21; 21) in 1 case, a near-triploid clone in 1 case, and Y chromosome loss in 1 case. Other aberrations found were sporadic, but + 7 aneuploidy and translocations involving 1p were detected in 2 and 3 samples respectively. Although to date it has been very difficult to recognize primary changes in NSCLC, nevertheless a literature review and our results indicate that i(9q) and robertsonian translocations are relevant findings.

Chromosome abnormalities in non-small cell lung cancer pleural effusions: cytogenetic indicators of disease subgroups

A cytogenetic study of pleural effusions (PE) containing metastatic or invasive tumor cells from 11 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (3 squamous cell carcinomas [SQC] and 8 adenocarcinomas [ADC] including 1 giant cell variant) was performed to identify non-random chromosome abnormalities. Numerical abnormalities seen in > or = 30% of cases included gain of chromosomes 7 and 20, and loss of chromosomes 4, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, and 22. The most frequent structural abnormality involved rearrangement in 1p with breakpoints clustering at 1p10-p13. Other recurrent breakpoint regions, seen in > or = 30% of cases, occurred in chromosome region 3p10-p21, 3q11-q25, 6p11-p25, 6q13-q23, 7q11-q36, 9q32-q34, 11p11-p13, 11q13-q24, 13p/14p and/or 15p, 17p and 19p, with, in particular, apparent loss of 6q21-q27, 3p21-p26, 7q21-q22, 9p22-p24 (shortest regions of common overlap) and 17p. There was also recurrent gain of 1q23-q44, 8q13-q24, and 11q13-q23. These abnormalities were not restricted to a particular histological subtype, with the exception of +8 and a breakpoint in 9q32-q34, which were seen only in ADC. The 9q32-q34 breakpoint observed in 4 ADC PE (including 1 giant cell variant) represents a new observation in NSCLC. These findings, when compared to those reported for primary NSCLC indicate cytogenetic differences between the two which may be associated with pleural invasion of NSCLC.

A high-resolution cytogenetic map of human chromosome 3: localization of 291 new cosmid markers by direct R-banding fluorescence in situ hybridization

We localized 291 new cosmid markers (including 65 RFLPs) on human chromosome 3 by direct R-banding fluorescence in situ hybridization. This system, which is based on fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with replicated prometaphase R-bands, allows the direct visualization of signals on R-banded prometaphases stained with propidium iodide and provides a more rapid and efficient method for genome mapping of cosmid clones. The signals of 291 markers examined here were localized preferentially to R-positive bands throughout chromosome 3. The detailed map positions of 366 clones and the characterization of 142 RFLPs, including the preliminary data reported by Yamakawa et al. (1991, Genomics 9: 536-543; and 11: 565-572), are summarized. This high-resolution cytogenetic map (average distance of 0.58 Mb), in conjunction with a genetic linkage map, can facilitate the analysis of chromosomal and molecular aberrations in genetic diseases and cancers. Furthermore, these mapping data will provide many useful landmarks for the construction of contig maps of chromosome 3.

Chromosome aberrations and cancer

Cancer may be defined as a progressive series of genetic events that occur in a single clone of cells because of alterations in a limited number of specific genes: the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The association of consistent chromosome aberrations with particular types of cancer has led to the identification of some of these genes and the elucidation of their mechanisms of action. Consistent chromosome aberrations are observed not only in rare tumor types but also in the relatively common lung, colon, and breast cancers. Identification of additional mutated genes through other chromosomal abnormalities will lead to a more complete molecular description of oncogenesis.

Nonrandom structural and numerical chromosome changes in non-small-cell lung cancer

Cytogenetic studies were performed on 27 tumor cell lines (most of which were derived from metastatic lesions) and four fresh malignant pleural and pericardial effusions from 30 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (non-SCLC). Many clonal structural (deletions and nonreciprocal translocations) and numerical abnormalities were found in each specimen. Statistical analysis revealed these changes were nonrandomly distributed among the chromosomes. A statistically significant number of chromosomal breakpoints were seen in regions 1q1, 1q3, 3p1, 3p2, 3q1, 3q2, 7q1, 13p1, 14p1, 15p1, and 17q1 when the regions were compared to the total haploid complement. In addition, when a given region was compared to other regions within the same chromosome, statistically significant numbers of breakpoints were noted for regions 1q3, 5q1, 7q1, 13p1, 14p1, 15p1, 16q2, 17q1, and 21p1. Specific chromosome bands showing the most frequent involvement in structural abnormalities were (in descending order) 3p14.2, 3q21, 19q13, 11p15, 1q11, 7q11, 1q21, 3p23, and 3p21. The breakpoints indicate areas to look for new dominant oncogenes activated by translocations, while the areas of deletions and loss of material by nonreciprocal translocations highlight areas to search for recessive oncogenes. These cytogenetic studies represent strong evidence that multiple genetic lesions are associated with the development of metastatic lung cancer, and provide a roadmap to search for new genes involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.

Isolation and mapping of 75 new DNA markers on human chromosome 3

We have isolated and mapped 75 new DNA markers including 52 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers on human chromosome 3. Clones were mapped by nonisotopic in situ hybridization, in which discrete fluorescent signals can be detected on prometaphase R-banded chromosomes. Thirty-seven markers were mapped to each arm of chromosome 3, and one was localized to the centromere. Five markers defined variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci. Although the 75 clones were scattered throughout the chromosome, they were concentrated in the R-positive bands. This physical map of chromosome 3 will contribute to the characterization of the chromosomal and molecular aberrations involved in renal cell carcinoma, small-cell lung cancer, and other malignancies and in single-gene disorders such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

Karyotypic characterization of established cell lines derived from a squamous cell carcinoma and an adenocarcinoma of human lung cancers

Two non-small cell carcinoma cell lines from the major histopathologic groups of human lung cancers have been karyotyped: HS-24 was established from a squamous cell carcinoma, and SB-3 was obtained from a metastasis of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Endoreduplication is characteristic for both cell lines. Subsequent loss of chromosomes led finally to hypotetraploid karyotypes with modal chromosome numbers of 66-68 and 70-72 for HS-24 and SB-3, respectively. The structural analysis was performed by G- and C-banding. Stable overrepresentation of chromosomes 7, 8, 12, and 16 was found. Both cell lines developed a characteristic set of disomic and stable markers. Chromosomes involved in markers were 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 11, 16, and 17. Consistent numerical and structural normality for chromosomes 4, 18, and 21 was observed.

Isochromosome (8q) in four patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung

We report an isochromosome, i(8q), in combination with many other cytogenetic changes in tumor cells from four patients with lung cancer. In each case, the tumor subtype was adenocarcinoma. This isochromosome has not been identified in primary tumors from patients with other histological types of lung cancer. Among the few previously reported cytogenetic analyses of pulmonary adenocarcinomas, i(8q) has been observed in four additional patients. Therefore, i(8q) represents a recurring change in this specific type of lung cancer. In addition to i(8q), tumor cells from each of our four patients had different abnormalities of 17p, and two patients had alterations of 3p as well.

Cytogenetics of non-small cell lung cancer: analysis of consistent non-random abnormalities

Cytogenetic analysis of ten primary non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), including five adenocarcinomas (ADC), three squamous cell (SQC), and two large cell (LCC) carcinomas has been carried out in an attempt to determine karyotype changes involved in the early stage of disease. The tumors were all aneuploid and exhibited complex karyotypes with multiple structural and numerical abnormalities. Clonal structural rearrangements were identified and in particular loss of material from the short arm of chromosome 9 had a 90% incidence. This loss was due to non-reciprocal translocation, deletion, or chromosome loss. Breakpoints were in the region 9q13 to p22. Other chromosome regions that were non-randomly involved are as follows: I cen to p13, 3p, 5q11 to q13, 6p, 6q15 to q27, 7p, 8p, 11q12 to q23, 13p, 14p, 15p, 17p, and 19p. While a primary cytogenetic change in NSCLC has not been identified conclusively, our findings implicate loss of material from 9p as a potentially important event.

Involvement of 9p in metastatic ovarian adenocarcinomas

By a direct method and after in vitro culture, we cytogenetically analyzed five ovarian adenocarcinomas, using six samples of ascitic fluid. The structural aberrations included rearrangements of chromosomes 1 and 3, in agreement with the results of other researchers. The long arm of chromosome 6 was rearranged in three samples, but no translocation t(6;14) was found. Rearrangements involving 9p were present in all cases, with breakpoints at p13 or p22-23.

The expression frequency of common fragile sites and genetic susceptibility to lung cancers

The chromosomal aberration rate (including gap and break) and expression frequency of common fragile sites were examined in peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured with TC199 medium from 96 patients with lung cancers, 40 of their first-degree relatives, and 45 normal control subjects. Both the chromosomal aberration rates and expression frequencies of common fragile sites observed in patients and their relatives were significantly higher than those in normal control subjects. About 60% of chromosomal aberrations were derived from the expression of common fragile sites either in the patients and their relatives or in the controls. The expression of fra(3)(p14) was most frequently observed, and the mean frequencies of its expression in patients and their relatives were significantly higher than in control subjects. It is suggested that common fragile sites might be unstable factors of the human genome, and their expression might be affected by some genetic factors, and they might play an important role in the genetic susceptibility to lung cancers. The significantly high expression of fra(3)(p14) in patients and their relatives may be related to the generation of the breakpoint at band 3p14 found in lung cancers.

Chromosomal abnormalities and their correlations with asbestos exposure and survival in patients with mesothelioma

Cytogenetic findings of our 30 previously reported and eight new patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were summarised and correlated with asbestos fibre burden in lung tissue and survival. Successful cytogenetic analyses were performed on cells obtained from the tumours and/or pleural effusions of 34 of the 38 patients. Clonal chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 25 patients, 19 of them studied before treatment. Nine patients, seven of them studied before treatment, had normal karyotypes and/or non-clonal chromosomal abnormalities. Most of the karyotypic findings in the patients with clonal abnormalities were complex and heterogeneous, and no chromosome aberration specific to mesothelioma could be demonstrated. The following numerical abnormalities in decreasing order of frequency were preferentially present in karyotypic changes: -22, +7, -1, -3, -9, +11 and -14 (-/+ denoting partial or total loss or gain). Translocations and deletions involving a breakpoint at 1p11-p22 were the most frequent structural aberrations. Statistically significant correlations were found between high content of asbestos fibres in lung tissue and partial or total losses of chromosomes 1 and 4, and a breakpoint at 1p11-p22 (P = 0.0001, P = 0.003, P = 0.009, respectively). The number of copies of chromosome 7 short arms was inversely correlated with survival (P = 0.02). In this study no diagnostic cytogenetic markers of mesothelioma were found, instead the copy number of chromosome 7 short arms turned out to be a possible prognostic factor in malignant mesothelioma.

Frequency and extent of allelic loss in the short arm of chromosome 3 in nonsmall-cell lung cancer

DNA was prepared from tumour and normal tissue from 48 patients representing all common histological types of nonsmall-cell lung cancer. Using eight DNA probes, which detect nine restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) on chromosome 3, we established that among the 44 informative patients 32 had lost alleles on the short arm of one of their copies of chromosome 3. Of these 32, at least 13 had also lost alleles on the long arm of chromosome 3, suggesting that the whole chromosome might be lost. For one patient, cytogenetic analysis indicated that the mechanism of allelic loss was reciprocal translocation followed by chromosomal loss of one of the reciprocal products. Two patients with allelic loss distal to the D3S3 locus (which maps to 3p13-14) retained heterozygosity at that locus. These results indicate that loss of alleles on the short arm of chromosome 3 is a common event in lung tumours of the nonsmall-cell type, that this loss occurs by a variety of chromosomal mechanisms, and that the minimally deleted region is 3p13-14----3pter.

Cytogenetic abnormalities common to adenocarcinoma metastatic to the pleura

Recently, i(8q) was suggested to be a nonrandom chromosomal abnormality characteristic of adenocarcinoma of the lung. To further investigate this observation, a chromosomal analysis of five cases of pleural effusions representing metastatic adenocarcinoma from different primary sites (two lung, two breast, and one stomach) was undertaken. The i(8q) occurred in three of the tumors, one from each of the three different primary sites. In addition, abnormalities of the short arm of chromosome 3 and extra copies of chromosome 7, both of which have been associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung, were simultaneously present in the same three tumors. Our findings demonstrate that i(8q) is not specific for adenocarcinoma of the lung and that it may have a role in the pathogenesis of adenocarcinomas from multiple organs. The simultaneous presence of i(8q), abnormalities of 3p, and extra copies of chromosome 7 may indicate a relationship among these abnormalities in multistep carcinogenesis or the development of metastatic potential.

Cytogenetics of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenografts from southern Chinese

Three undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumour lines were successfully established from fresh biopsy material injected s.c. into athymic mice and passaged for many generations. These xenografts were found to be free of infiltrating lymphoid cells and remained undifferentiated up to passage 30. They were designated NPC/HK2117 (Xeno-1), NPC/HK1915 (Xeno-2) and NPC/HK1530 (Xeno-3), respectively. Passage 16 from Xeno-1, passage 1 from Xeno-2 and passage 14 from Xeno-3 were studied cytogenetically using G-banding with the trypsin-Giemsa method. Two xenografts were hyperdiploid with chromosome modal numbers ranging from 49 to 76, and one was hypodiploid with modal numbers ranging from 28 to 38. Five marker chromosomes have been identified with involvement of chromosomes 1, 3, 11, 12 and 17. Marker chromosomes derived from chromosomes 12q, 1q and 3q were consistent in one of the 2 xenografts successfully G-banded, and chromosomes 12, 11 and 17 were consistent in another. Three out of the 6 markers involve 12q13----qter. An abnormal chromosome 3 with most of the p arm deleted was also observed.

Cytogenetic studies in 11 patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung

Small cell carcinoma of the lung has reportedly been associated with structural abnormalities of the short arm of chromosome 3, but most of the previous studies were done on long-term cultures that involved cell lines. In the current study, we investigated the chromosome abnormalities in specimens from primary lung tumors grown in short-term cultures. Cytogenetic studies were done in 11 patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung, and a chromosomally abnormal clone was observed in each tumor. An abnormality of chromosome 3 was observed in six of these tumors.

3p involvement in a renal cell carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Region of tumor breakpoint clustering on 3p?

The cytogenetic findings in a renal cell carcinoma from a patient with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome are reported. Of the two consistent changes, one was a dicentric chromosome evolving from an unbalanced translocation between the proximal part of the short arm of chromosome 3 and the distal segment of the long arm of the X chromosome.

Isochromosomes i(8q) or i(9q) in three adenocarcinomas of the lung

We have cytogenetically analyzed three primary adenocarcinomas of the lung. All tumors had chromosome numbers in the triploid region. The multiple structural aberrations included rearrangements of 3p, in two cases affecting the segment 3p14-23, where deletions are characteristically found in small cell lung carcinomas. Isochromosomes for 8q were present in two tumors and i(9q) in one tumor. In the few previously reported cytogenetic analyses of pulmonary adenocarcinomas, all of which examined metastases or cell lines, i(8q) was found in one case and i(9q) in two cases. These isochromosomes, therefore, represent previously unrecognized nonrandom changes in adenocarcinomas of the lung, and might constitute primary aberrations in this tumor type.

Cytogenetic abnormalities in a primitive neuroectodermal tumor

Two distinct karyotypically abnormal cell lines were observed in cultures of a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. One involved multiple chromosome rearrangements, and the other an inversion of chromosome #7 and a t(3;10) showing an interstitial deletion of 3p; del(3)(p1?4p1?2). None of these rearrangements have been reported in previous descriptions of primitive neuroectodermal tumor karyotypes.

Cytogenetic findings in an effusion secondary from pleural mesothelioma

Cytogenetic analysis was performed on cells from pleural effusion secondary to an epithelial mesothelioma. Although chromosomal findings (pseudodiploid stemline, including marker chromosomes involving chromosomes #1, #3, #5, and #6) suggested the neoplastic origin of the effusion, routine cytologic diagnosis was negative.