Genetic heterogeneity in uveal melanoma assessed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.
OBJECTIVE
To determine intratumor genetic heterogeneity in uveal melanoma (UM) by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues.


METHODS
DNA was extracted from whole tumor sections and from two to nine different areas microdissected from 32 FFPE UMs. Thirty-one loci on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 8 were tested with MLPA for copy number changes. The tumor was considered heterogeneous at a locus if (1) the difference in dosage quotients (DQs) of any two areas was 0.2 or more, and (2) the DQs of the areas belonged to different ranges.


RESULTS
Comparison of MLPA data obtained from microdissected areas of the UMs showed heterogeneity in 1 to 26 examined loci in 24 (75%) tumors, with only 25% of the tumors being homogeneous. Intratumor heterogeneity of 3p12.2, 6p21.2, and 8q11.23 was most common, occurring in >30% of the UMs. Gains of chromosome 3 were observed in four UMs, with three of these tumors showing the highest degree of heterogeneity. Copy number variation was associated with differences in tumor cell type, but not with differences in tumor pigmentation or reactive inflammation. UMs with genetic heterogeneity across multiple sample sites showed equivocal MLPA results when the whole tumor section was examined. These results suggest that different clones dilute MLPA results.


CONCLUSIONS
Heterogeneity of chromosomal abnormalities of chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 8 is present in most UMs. This heterogeneity causes equivocal MLPA results. One random tumor sample may not be representative of the whole tumor and, therefore, may be insufficient for prognostic testing.
Dopierala
Justyna
J
Department of Pathology, School of Cancer Studies, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Damato
Bertil E
BE
Lake
Sarah L
SL
Taktak
Azzam F G
AF
Coupland
Sarah E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002878:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 / Q000235:genetics; D002893:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 / Q000235:genetics; D002896:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 / Q000235:genetics; D002898:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 / Q000235:genetics; D056915:DNA Copy Number Variations; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes