Breast cancer cytogenetics and beyond.
It is hypothesized that cancers arise as a result of genetic or chromosomal alteration. Evidence for this is provided by the leukaemias and lymphomas in which cytogenetic studies are of established value in diagnosis, classification and follow-up. In contrast, the cytogenetic study of all solid tumours, including breast carcinoma, is in its infancy. However, cytogenetic studies indicate that clonal structural alterations do occur, affecting several loci on a number of chromosomes. Molecular studies provide further evidence of recurring chromosomal breakpoints in breast cancer. This paper reviews the chromosomal rearrangements observed to date and discusses their relevance to the biology of breast cancer.
University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
P J
PJ
Hainsworth
O M
OM
Garson
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D002873:Chromosome Fragility; D003582:Cytogenetics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D006801:Humans