Amp(1q) and tetraploidy are commonly acquired chromosomal abnormalities in relapsed multiple myeloma.

Long-term disease control in multiple myeloma (MM) is typically an unmet medical need, and most patients experience multiple relapses. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the standard technique to detect chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), which are important to estimate the prognosis of MM and the allocation of risk adapted therapies. In advanced stages, the importance of CAs needs further investigation. From 148 MM patients, two or more paired samples, at least one of which was collected at relapse, were analyzed by FISH. Using targeted next-generation sequencing, we molecularly investigated samples harboring relapse-associated CAs. Sixty-one percent of the patients showed a change in the cytogenetic profile during the disease course, including 10% who acquired high-risk cytogenetics. Amp(1q) (≥4 copies of 1q21), driven by an additional increase in copy number in patients who already had 3 copies of 1q21, was the most common acquired CA with 16% affected patients. Tetraploidy, found in 10% of the samples collected at the last time-point, was unstable over the course of the disease and was associated with TP53 lesions. Our results indicate that cytogenetic progression is common in relapsed patients. The relatively high frequency of amp(1q) suggests an active role for this CA in disease progression.

Clonal dynamics in a composite chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia-variant.

Composite lymphoma is the rare simultaneous manifestation of two distinct lymphomas. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a propensity for occurring in composite lymphomas, a phenomenon that remains to be elucidated. We applied cytogenetics, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and massively parallel sequencing to analyze longitudinally a patient with CLL, who 3 years later showed transformation to a hairy cell leukemia-variant (HCL-V). Outgrowth of the IGHV4-34-positive HCL-V clone at the expense of the initially dominant CLL clone with trisomy 12 and MED12 mutation started before CLL-guided treatment and was accompanied by a TP53 mutation, which was already detectable at diagnosis of CLL. Furthermore, deep sequencing of IGH showed a composite lymphoma with presence of both disease components at all analyzed timepoints (down to a minor clone: major clone ratio of ~1:1000). Overall, our analyses showed a disease course that resembled clonal dynamics reported for malignancies with intratumoral heterogeneity and illustrate the utility of deep sequencing of IGH to detect distinct clonal populations at diagnosis, monitor clonal response to therapy, and possibly improve clinical outcomes.

The prognostic value of additional copies of 1q21 in multiple myeloma depends on the primary genetic event.

Hyperdiploidy (HRD) and specific immunoglobulin heavy locus (IGH) translocations are primary chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in multiple myeloma (MM). In this retrospective study of 794 MM patients we aimed to investigate clinical features and common CA including gain(1q) in separate subgroups defined by primary CA. In the entire group, we confirmed that gain(1q) was associated with short time to next treatment and adverse overall survival (OS). The impact was worse for four or more copies of 1q21 as compared to three copies. However, in a subgroup of patients with clonal gain(11q) and without known primary IGH translocations (CG11q), already three copies of 1q21 were associated with a poor outcome; in the absence of gain(1q), patients in this subgroup had a remarkably long median OS of more than nine years. These cases were associated with HRD, coexpression of CD56 and CD117, male gender, and IgG subtype. In non-CG11q patients, four or more copies of 1q21 (but not three copies) had a significant adverse impact on outcome. Several associations with CA and clinical findings were observed for the defined subgroups. As an example, we found a predominance of early tetraploidy, plasma cell leukemia, and female gender in the t(14;16) subgroup. Our results underscore the importance of subgrouping in MM.

Regarding the rights and duties of Clinical Laboratory Geneticists in genetic healthcare systems; results of a survey in over 50 countries.

Specialists of human genetic diagnostics can be divided into four groups: Medical Geneticists (MDG), Genetic Nurses and/or Counsellors (GN/GC), Clinical Laboratory Geneticists (CLG) and Laboratory Genetics Technicians (LGT). While the first two groups are in direct patient contact, the work of the latter two, of equal importance for patient care, are often hidden as they work behind the scenes. Herein the first study on the rights and duties of CLGs is presented. We present the results of a survey performed in 35 European and 18 non-European countries with 100 participating specialists. A national CLG title is available in 60% of European countries, and in 77% of the surveyed European countries a CLG can be the main responsible head of the laboratory performing human genetic tests. However, in only 20% of European countries is a lab-report valid with only a CLGs' signature - even though the report is almost always formulated by the CLG, and an interpretation of the obtained results in a clinical context by the CLG is expected in nearly 90% of European countries. Interestingly, CLGs see patients in 30% of European countries, and are also regularly involved in student education. Overall, the CLG profession includes numerous duties, which are quite similar in all regions of the world. Strikingly, the CLG's rights and responsibilities of leading a lab, or signing a report are regulated differently according to country specific regulations. Overall, the CLG is a well-recognized profession worldwide and often working within a multidisciplinary team of human genetic diagnostics professionals.

Routine Use of Bendamustine in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: An Observational Study.

Bendamustine is an established treatment option in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and frequently used in Austria and Italy. Therefore, we analyzed 100 unselected, consecutive patients with CLL (treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory) receiving bendamustine in a real-life setting. Most patients were treated with bendamustine in combination with rituximab (BR). However, bendamustine monotherapy was additionally evaluated. Patients treated with BR had a significantly higher overall response rate of 76% (complete response=22%) when compared to those treated solely with bendamustine (overall response rate=50%; complete response=13%). Overall survival (OS) and progression -ree survival (PFS) were significantly lower in the bendamustine-treated group (OS=14.3 months; PFS=8.3 months) compared to the BR group (OS=42.7; PFS=22.5 months; both p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, patients with a good cytogenetic risk and those receiving BR had a significantly better OS. Grade 3/4 hematological complications were seen in 32% of the patients. Hence, bendamustine, especially in combination with rituximab, is an effective therapy with manageable toxicity for non-selected patients with CLL including those pre-treated with fludarabine and the elderly.

Therapy-resistant metastasizing anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma: a cytogenetic hybrid: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma is a rare variant of the conventional spermatocytic seminoma, with only 6 cases reported up to now. The anaplastic variant contains only the medium-sized cell type, hallmarked by large-sized nucleoli, whereas the small lymphocyte-like and giant cells typical of the conventional spermatocytic seminoma are lacking. CASE: We report herein an unusual case of a 40-year-old man with an anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma which metastasized first to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and, something never before reported, subsequently to the lung and other organs. The immunophenotype with c-kit and SALL4 positive and PLAP, as well OCT 3/4 negative tumor cells were identical to those of conventional spermatocytic seminoma. Cytogenetically the tumor cells showed a gain of chromosome 9, typical for spermatocytic seminoma, but simultaneously also the short arm 12p were overexpressed--an overexpression crucial to the aggressive behavior of seminomas and other nonseminomatous tumors but never before encountered in spermatocytic seminoma. CONCLUSION: The current opinion is that seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors develop from a common primitive progenitor cell, whereas spermatocytic seminomas develop from differentiated spermatogonia. The herein presented cytogenetic hybrid tumor shows that a crossover between the two different histogenetic "tracks" is possible.

Paraneoplastic phenomena and diagnostic challenges in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL): report of two cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma with unique clinical, pathological and genetic features. Clinical diagnosis is often hampered as typical lymphoma-associated symptoms may not be found at the time of first presentation and only occur later during disease progression. However, as AITL leads to a de-regulated immune system, various paraneoplastic syndromes or autoimmune reactions may represent the first clinical signs, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. CASE REPORT: We herein describe two AITL cases characterized by a fatal clinical course and the occurrence of unusual paraneoplastic phenomena, including fluid retention and disseminated intravascular coagulation, respectively. Despite multiple diagnostic procedures, both patients died of rapid disease progression and definitive diagnoses could only be established post-mortem. CONCLUSION: These cases underscore the complex diagnostic challenges of AITL and illustrate the requirement for careful clinical evaluation and prompt integration of different diagnostic parameters, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, conventional cytogenetics and molecular genetics, to enable adequate and prompt therapeutic interventions.

Characterization of transcriptional changes in ERG rearrangement-positive prostate cancer identifies the regulation of metabolic sensors such as neuropeptide Y.

ERG gene rearrangements are found in about one half of all prostate cancers. Functional analyses do not fully explain the selective pressure causing ERG rearrangement during the development of prostate cancer. To identify transcriptional changes in prostate cancer, including tumors with ERG gene rearrangements, we performed a meta-analysis on published gene expression data followed by validations on mRNA and protein levels as well as first functional investigations. Eight expression studies (n = 561) on human prostate tissues were included in the meta-analysis. Transcriptional changes between prostate cancer and non-cancerous prostate, as well as ERG rearrangement-positive (ERG+) and ERG rearrangement-negative (ERG-) prostate cancer, were analyzed. Detailed results can be accessed through an online database. We validated our meta-analysis using data from our own independent microarray study (n = 57). 84% and 49% (fold-change>2 and >1.5, respectively) of all transcriptional changes between ERG+ and ERG- prostate cancer determined by meta-analysis were verified in the validation study. Selected targets were confirmed by immunohistochemistry: NPY and PLA2G7 (up-regulated in ERG+ cancers), and AZGP1 and TFF3 (down-regulated in ERG+ cancers). First functional investigations for one of the most prominent ERG rearrangement-associated genes - neuropeptide Y (NPY) - revealed increased glucose uptake in vitro indicating the potential role of NPY in regulating cellular metabolism. In summary, we found robust population-independent transcriptional changes in prostate cancer and first signs of ERG rearrangements inducing metabolic changes in cancer cells by activating major metabolic signaling molecules like NPY. Our study indicates that metabolic changes possibly contribute to the selective pressure favoring ERG rearrangements in prostate cancer.

MMTV-neu mice deficient in STAT1 are susceptible to develop ovarian teratomas.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) serves in the protection of the organism against pathogens and other harmful insults. It is implicated in innate immune response, immunosurveillance, tumor-suppression, and the response to genotoxic as well as oxidative stress. We report here that 9 of 140 examined STAT1 deficient mouse mammary tumor virus-neu (MMTV-neu) mice developed differentiated ovarian teratomas, which histologically resemble benign dermatoid cysts. Conventional karyotyping revealed diploidy without structural rearrangements of the chromosomes. STAT1 proficient MMTV-neu mice with the same genetic background (FVB/N), and STAT1 deficient C57BL/6 mice failed to develop this type of tumor. This indicates that STAT1 deficiency promotes teratoma formation and this depends on MMTV-neu expression and/or the genetic background. Since ovarian teratomas are considered to develop as a consequence of alterations in the maturation of oocytes and follicular cells, we compared the ovaries from non-tumor bearing STAT1 deficient and proficient MMTV-neu mice. No detectable alterations in the number and proportion of the different follicular developmental stages were detected, implying the absence of non-redundant functions of STAT1 in normal folliculogenesis, as well as in follicular atresia. However, strong staining for STAT1 was detectable in granulosa and theca cells. These results point to a role for STAT1 in protecting from teratoma formation in a later step of tumorigenesis, e.g. by inducing apoptosis and eliminating premature or aberrantly formed follicles which have the potential to transform into teratomas.

Targeted high throughput sequencing in clinical cancer settings: formaldehyde fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, input amount and tumor heterogeneity.

BACKGROUND: Massively parallel sequencing technologies have brought an enormous increase in sequencing throughput. However, these technologies need to be further improved with regard to reproducibility and applicability to clinical samples and settings. METHODS: Using identification of genetic variations in prostate cancer as an example we address three crucial challenges in the field of targeted re-sequencing: Small nucleotide variation (SNV) detection in samples of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue material, minimal amount of input sample and sampling in view of tissue heterogeneity. RESULTS: We show that FFPE tissue material can supplement for fresh frozen tissues for the detection of SNVs and that solution-based enrichment experiments can be accomplished with small amounts of DNA with only minimal effects on enrichment uniformity and data variance.Finally, we address the question whether the heterogeneity of a tumor is reflected by different genetic alterations, e.g. different foci of a tumor display different genomic patterns. We show that the tumor heterogeneity plays an important role for the detection of copy number variations. CONCLUSIONS: The application of high throughput sequencing technologies in cancer genomics opens up a new dimension for the identification of disease mechanisms. In particular the ability to use small amounts of FFPE samples available from surgical tumor resections and histopathological examinations facilitates the collection of precious tissue materials. However, care needs to be taken in regard to the locations of the biopsies, which can have an influence on the prediction of copy number variations. Bearing these technological challenges in mind will significantly improve many large-scale sequencing studies and will - in the long term - result in a more reliable prediction of individual cancer therapies.

Routine use of bendamustine and rituximab combination therapy in consecutive patients with lymphoproliferative diseases: a survey from Tyrolean hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to demonstrate feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of routine clinical use of the bendamustine/rituximab combination in lymphoproliferative diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 71 patients treated with bendamustine/rituximab combination in Tyrol/Austria. Toxicities, therapeutic response, and survival outcome in the various lymphoma entities were analyzed. RESULTS: There was considerable hematotoxicity, with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia of grade 3 or 4 in 33% and 18%, respectively. Interestingly, severe infection of grade 3 or 4 was observed in a remarkable percentage of patients with aggressive lymphoma and CLL (21% and 28%, respectively) but not in indolent lymphoma (p = 0.027). Overall, the therapeutic efficacy of bendamustine/rituximab was encouraging. In CLL, an overall response rate (ORR) of 65% was achieved. Notably, in the seven previously untreated CLL patients, ORR was 86%. The therapy was effective across all FISH-cytogenetic subgroups, except for the five patients harboring 17p deletion with unfavorable prognosis (PFS 2.7 months, OS 9.3 months). In indolent lymphoma (n = 25), the bendamustine-rituximab combination induced a remarkable therapeutic effect (ORR 96%, median PFS and OS not reached). In aggressive lymphoma (n = 20), ORR was 50%; in International Prognostic Index high-risk patients (4 or 5 risk factors, n = 10), ORR was only 20%, significantly inferior than in low/intermediate risk patients (ORR 70%; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: In the routine setting aside clinical studies, bendamustine/rituximab therapy resulted in marked clinical responses, especially in CLL and indolent lymphoma. In aggressive lymphoma, the combination of bendamustine and rituximab was effective in favorable risk patients.

Dysregulation of the cell cycle and chromosomal imbalances in juxtaglomerular cell tumors - a comparative study with endocrine tumors of the pancreas.

Two juxtaglomerular cell tumors (JGCTs) were investigated in comparison with 14 endocrine tumors of the pancreas (ETPs), focusing on the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cytogenetic changes. JGCTs revealed nuclear accumulation of Cyclin D(1), together with the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(Cip1/Waf1) and p27(Kip1). In contrast, no accumulation of Cyclin D(3), p53, p16(INK4a), or Mdm-2 was seen. Bcl-2 protein was intensively, but Rb only moderately, expressed. This immunoreactive profile was not found in the ETPs, which were negative for Bcl-2, p27(Kip1), p21(Cip1/Waf1), and - with one exception - for Cyclin D(1) (1/14) but expressed Cyclin D(3) in 7/14 cases. JGCTs displayed characteristic genetic alterations with combined losses of chromosomes 9, 11, 15, and 21 and gains of chromosome 18. In contrast, no characteristic pattern of genetic alterations was found in ETPs. In both, the amount of chromosomal aberrations correlated with tumor size. In small ETPs and JGCTs, genetic losses dominated over gains of chromosomes, whereas in large/malignant ETPs, gains and losses were equally affected. Thus, JGCTs represent a special type of renal endocrine neoplasm characterized by deregulation of cell cycle components and a typical profile of chromosomal aberrations. Since only two JCTs were investigated, further studies for validation of these results are, however, necessary.

Chromosomal imbalances, 11q21 rearrangement and MECT1-MAML2 fusion transcript in mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary gland.

The aim of this study was to determine genetic alterations in mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary gland in association with clinical and histopathological parameters. Nineteen formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors were analysed by using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of MECT1-MAML2 fusion transcript. The CGH analysis showed an overrepresentation of chromosome X and losses of entire chromosomes or regions on chromosome 1, 2, and 15 as the most frequent copy number changes. In 37% of the analysed tumors a MAML2-rearrangement by interphase FISH was detected, whereas 58% of the samples showed expression of MECT1-MAML2 fusion transcript. We conclude that the presence of MAML2-rearrangement as well as of MECT1-MAML2 fusion transcript may reflect a more favourable prognosis and may be a useful marker for clinical prediction of the biological behavior of these tumors as previously reported.

Chromosomal aberrations in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and the World Health Organization 2004 grading system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in chromosomal aberrations in recurrent urothelial cancer (UC) of the bladder between the World Health Organization (WHO) 1973 and 2004 classification a retrospective study was performed. STUDY DESIGN: Primary and recurrent UCs of the bladder of 22 patients diagnosed at the Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry (Ki-67, p53). RESULTS: On average, there were 5.8 +/- 5.9 alterations, including 4.1 +/- 4.3 gains and 3.5 +/- 2.5 losses per tumor. Most frequent gains ofchromosomal material were found on 19p, 7q, 16, 19q, 89, 12q and 20. Most frequent losses of chromosomal material were detected on 9, 13q, 5q, 8p, 11p and 18q. Total number of aberrations differed significantly between tumor grades of WHO 1973 and 2004 grading systems (p = 0.020 and p = 0.028). Chromosomal aberrations correlated well with both grading systems. Grade 2 tumors, reclassified as high-grade tumors, were of higher stage and showed aberrations usually associated with higher grade and poor outcome (1p+, 16p+, -2 and -5q). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that G2 tumors form a heterogeneous group supporting the value of the new WHO 2004 classification.

Early results of bladder-cancer screening in a high-risk population of heavy smokers.

OBJECTIVE: To report first results of an early bladder-cancer detection programme, and to evaluate the detection rate and the diagnostic value of the tests used. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Urine samples of 183 screened subjects with a history of smoking of > or =40 pack-years were collected for analysis with a urinary dipstick test for haematuria, the nuclear matrix protein-22 test (BladderChek, Matritech, Inc., Newton, MA, USA), voided urine cytology and a molecular cytology test (UroVysion, Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL, USA). Participants with at least one positive test result had a further evaluation including cystoscopy and radiological imaging. The subjects' risk factors, test results and histological findings were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 75 subjects had at least one positive test result and were evaluated further; abnormal histological findings were detected in 18 (24% of those who had cystoscopy, 9.8% of the original 183), 15 of those in the urinary bladder, with pTaG1 (one), carcinoma in situ (two), dysplastic lesions (11) and one an inverted papilloma. In the upper urinary tract, two urothelial tumours (pTaG1 and pTxN2G3) and one renal cell carcinoma (pT1G2) were detected by computed tomography. In summary, six of 183 subjects (3.3%) had a histologically confirmed malignant tumour and another 12 (6.6%) were identified with a possible pre-cancerous lesion of the urinary tract. The urinary dipstick, BladderChek, cytology and UroVysion detected (i.e. were true-positive in) nine (50%), one (6%), seven (39%) and 11 (61%) of the 18 tumours found, while they failed to detect nine (50%), 17 (94%), 11 (61%) and seven (39%) of these lesions, respectively. Omitting the urine dipstick test, the BladderChek, cytology or UroVysion from the test setting could have spared 40, five, two or one subjects(s) from unnecessary invasive interventions; however, three, none, two or six lesions, would have been missed. More positive screening tests per subject was associated with a higher probability of a (pre)-malignant lesion. CONCLUSION: Screening a high-risk group with a history of smoking of > or =40 pack-years showed a significant proportion (3.3%) with malignancy. These first results are encouraging and warrant continuation of the screening programme. In this series the most efficient screening tool was the combination of UroVysion, cytology and urinary dipstick testing. Of special scientific interest will be the follow-up of those patients with a possible pre-cancerous lesion.

Large-scale analysis of cell cycle regulators in urothelial bladder cancer identifies p16 and p27 as potentially useful prognostic markers.

AIMS: We investigated the value of multiple cell cycle markers for their prognostic impact on overall survival and recurrence-free survival in urothelial carcinoma (UC). METHODS: A tissue microarray consisting of 99 UCs was evaluated for the expression of p53, p16, p21, p27, cyclin D1, cyclin E , Bcl-2, Ki-67 and PCNA. Statistical analysis was performed applying Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models using receiver operator characteristic curves for determination of markers' cutoffs. RESULTS: Expression above the cutoffs of Ki-67, p53 and p27, particularly in high-grade and early-stage UC, was associated with worse overall survival, while expression of p16 indicated a better outcome in low-grade and low-stage tumors. Recurrence-free survival was better in patients with high-grade UC expressing PCNA, p16 and cyclin E, and low-grade UC expressing Bcl-2 above the cutoffs, but worse in all tumors with high Ki-67. CONCLUSION: Cell cycle deregulation in UC is complex and the prognostic value of the various involved proteins should be differentially regarded with respect to this complexity and other tumor characteristics such as grade and stage. Our results point towards the role of p16- and p27-associated pathways in tumor progression and indicate that, by using standardized approaches for tissue antigen expression, evaluation and cutoff determination, single potentially useful prognostic markers could be identified.

Thyroid follicular carcinoma-like renal tumor: a case report with morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and scintigraphic studies.

In this report, a rare renal tumor that morphologically resembles a thyroid follicular carcinoma is described. To date, this subtype has not been integrated into a known form of renal carcinoma. A 29-year-old female patient without relevant family or social history underwent nephrectomy because of a renal tumor measuring 5 cm by the largest diameter. The macroscopically white-yellow tumor showed follicular structures with abundant eosinophilic colloidal material and focal papillary differentiation by light microscopy. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells stained positively for cytokeratin (CK-7, CK-20, CAM 5.2) and vimentin. CD-10, CD-117, thyroid transcription factor-1, and thyreoglobulin remained completely negative. Chromosomal losses of 1, 3, 7, 9p21, 12, 17, and X were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Scintigraphs showed an inconspicuous thyroid gland and no extrathyroidal pathological accumulations, making metastatic spread to the kidney highly unlikely. To our knowledge, this is the second fully documented case of a thyroid follicular carcinoma-like renal tumor. This uncommon variant is important to keep in mind to prevent unnecessary or inappropriate treatment.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization for detecting upper urinary tract tumors--a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in voided urine specimens and selective upper urinary tract washings obtained from patients with suspected transitional cell cancer of the upper urinary tract (UT-TCC). METHODS: A total of 16 patients with suspected UT-TCC were included in the study. All patients underwent urinary tract imaging. Endoscopy was also performed. Voided urine specimens from all patients and ureteral washings were subjected to cytologic examination and FISH analysis (UroVysion probe set). If indicated, surgery (nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy) was performed. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 9 (56.25%) were diagnosed with UT-TCC. None of the remaining patients was diagnosed with UT-TCC after a mean follow-up of 21.3 months (median 20, range 11 to 36). For FISH analysis, the sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity 80%. FISH analysis was not possible in 1 patient with UT-TCC because of an insufficient number of cells. For cytology, the sensitivity was 60% and specificity 80%. In patients with UT-TCC, the cytologic findings were inconclusive (atypia of uncertain significance) in 4 patients (44.4%). In contrast to the cytology findings, all results of the FISH analysis of the upper urinary tract washings matched those of the voided urine samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest that FISH analysis of voided urine might be a useful ancillary test in the detection of UT-TCC with excellent sensitivity and specificity. If confirmed in larger studies, FISH might contribute to a more reliable and less-invasive diagnostic approach to UT-TCC.

Gain of chromosome X in prostatic atrophy detected by CGH and FISH analyses.

BACKGROUND: Focal atrophy is presumed to be an indirect forerunner of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to examine genetic alterations in prostate epithelia deriving from atrophic areas and compare these findings with those of cells deriving from paired prostate cancer in the same patient. METHODS: Formalin fixed paraffin wax-embedded prostatectomy specimens from 20 prostate cancer patients were utilized in this study. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) was performed on atrophic areas. To validate the CGH results, Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on atrophic areas and paired cancer tissue. RESULTS: Gain of the whole chromosome X was found as sole aberration in seven (70%) atrophic tissues by CGH. A gain of centromere X was observed in 13 (68.4%) atrophic areas and in 18 (90%) cancer tissues using FISH. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation reconfirms the genetical instability of cells of the atrophic acini and attention of relevance of gain of chromosome X in atrophic areas.