Detection of non-maternal components of gestational choriocarcinoma by PCR-based microsatellite DNA assay.
OBJECTIVE
Gestational and non-gestational choriocarcinomas have distinctly different tissues of origin, parental genotypes, natural histories, and responses to therapy. Our objective was to develop a convenient, fast, and reliable assay that would, using only patient tissue, allow separation of gestational from non-gestational choriocarcinomas.


METHODS
Benign and malignant tissues, preserved in paraffin blocks and separated by microdissection, were examined using a commercial PCR-based tissue identity assay (ABI AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus Kit and ABI 377 DNA sequencer) to detect genetic profiles of 9 microsatellite markers, along with X and Y chromosome markers. Cases included 6 choriocarcinomas. Controls included eight non-germ cell reproductive tract tumors and two hydatidiform moles.


RESULTS
The microsatellite markers identified the five choriocarcinomas diagnosed on clinical and histological grounds as gestational, to be of genetically non-maternal (androgenic) origin. The neoplasm previously classified as a non-gestational choriocarcinoma was demonstrated to be of maternal origin, as were the non-germ cell reproductive tract tumors. Samples from hydatidiform moles contained either androgenic markers only or a mix of maternal and androgenic markers, as previously seen in complete and partial moles, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
A commercially available microsatellite DNA diagnostic assay is a quick and convenient way to discriminate between gestational and non-gestational choriocarcinoma.
Cankovic
Milena
M
Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. mcankov1@hfhs.org
Gaba
Arthur R
AR
Meier
Frederick
F
Kim
Wooshin
W
Zarbo
Richard J
RJ
D000483:Alleles; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics*; D031954:Choriocarcinoma, Non-gestational / Q000235:genetics; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005185:Fallopian Tube Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm