Matrix-comparative genomic hybridization from multicenter formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colorectal cancer tissue blocks.
BACKGROUND
The identification of genomic signatures of colorectal cancer for risk stratification requires the study of large series of cancer patients with an extensive clinical follow-up. Multicentric clinical studies represent an ideal source of well documented archived material for this type of analyses.


METHODS
To verify if this material is technically suitable to perform matrix-CGH, we performed a pilot study using macrodissected 29 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples collected within the framework of the EORTC-GI/PETACC-2 trial for colorectal cancer. The scientific aim was to identify prognostic genomic signatures differentiating locally restricted (UICC stages II-III) from systemically advanced (UICC stage IV) colorectal tumours.


RESULTS
The majority of archived tissue samples collected in the different centers was suitable to perform matrix-CGH. 5/7 advanced tumours displayed 13q-gain and 18q-loss. In locally restricted tumours, only 6/12 tumours showed a gain on 13q and 7/12 tumours showed a loss on 18q. Interphase-FISH and high-resolution array-mapping of the gain on 13q confirmed the validity of the array-data and narrowed the chromosomal interval containing potential oncogenes.


CONCLUSIONS
Archival, paraffin-embedded tissue samples collected in multicentric clinical trials are suitable for matrix-CGH analyses and allow the identification of prognostic signatures and aberrations harbouring potential new oncogenes.
Fensterer
Heiko
H
Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. heiko.fensterer@med.uni-marburg.de <heiko.fensterer@med.uni-marburg.de>
Radlwimmer
Bernhard
B
Sträter
Jörn
J
Buchholz
Malte
M
Aust
Daniela E
DE
Julié
Catherine
C
Radvanyi
François
F
Nordlinger
Bernard
B
Belluco
Claudio
C
Van Cutsem
Eric
E
Köhne
Claus-Henning
CH
Kestler
Hans A
HA
Schwaenen
Carsten
C
Nessling
Michelle
M
Lutz
Manfred P
MP
Lichter
Peter
P
Gress
Thomas M
TM
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D004210:Dissection; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013048:Specimen Handling
D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde