Comparison of chromosome 1 aneusomy detected by interphase cytogenetics and DNA ploidy in carcinoma of the breast.
Aneuploidy is an important prognostic factor in many cancers. Chromosome 1 abnormalities are present in most breast carcinomas. These may be part of a non-specific increase in DNA (aneuploid status) or represent a restricted chromosomal abnormality. In 16 breast carcinomas we compared chromosome 1 aneusomy with ploidy status. Patients were selected from a mammographically screened population and interphase tumour nuclei were studied by in situ hybridization using a chromosome 1 pericentromeric probe. Ploidy status was assessed by image cytometry on disaggregated cells from paraffin blocks. Of eight cases showing chromosome 1 aneusomy, six (75%) were aneuploid and two diploid. Six (75%) of the eight eusomic cases were aneuploid. This study demonstrates that chromosome 1 aneusomy does not always reflect a gross aneuploid status but, in some tumours, is part of a more restricted chromosomal abnormality. Interphase cytogenetics, possibly using a small panel of pericentromeric probes, may be more sensitive than DNA cytometry for detecting abnormal nuclear DNA content.
Harrison
M M
MM
Department of Pathology, Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Magee
H M
HM
O'Loughlin
J F
JF
Gorey
T F
TF
Coyne
J D
JD
Dervan
P A
PA
D000782:Aneuploidy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics*; D002878:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D004247:DNA