Chromosome changes in soft tissue sarcomas.

An analysis of chromosome aberrations in human tumors was performed in 29 cases of soft tissue sarcoma. The tumor tissues were disaggregated with collagenase and the cells cultured for 2-3 days. Analyzable metaphases were obtained in 15 cases, 4 of which showed only normal karyotypes. The remaining 11 tumors showed various numerical and structural abnormalities in their karyotypes: 8 tumors were near-diploid and the remaining 3 were near-triploid. G- and Q-banding analyses revealed clonal abnormalities in the 11 cases with the presence of marker chromosomes; 15 different chromosomes were involved in chromosome rearrangements, chromosomes 1 and 2 being the most frequently affected. Because of the heterogeneity of the tumor group investigated (neurogenic sarcoma, 2 liposarcomas, neurofibrosarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, mesothelioma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and hemangiopericytoma), it was impossible to reach any conclusion on the specificity of the cytogenetic abnormalities for a particular tumor type.

Nonrandom chromosome changes in malignant melanoma.

Chromosome aberrations were analyzed in 4 cases of malignant melanoma (MM) after disaggregation of the tumors with collagenase and short-term culture. In all cell cultures, the MM cells displayed a typical triangular spindle form. The chromosome number was near-diploid in one case and near-triploid in three cases. A total of 27 abnormal chromosomes were identified with the Giemsa banding technique. By far, the most common types of abnormalities were translocations, followed by deletions and isochromosomes. Chromosomes 1, 6, and 7 were found to be most frequently involved in structural aberrations. Markers originating from chromosomes 1 and 6 were found in all four cases, and abnormalities of chromosome 7 were found in three. Each marker chromosome was unique for a given case; no common markers for two or more cases were found. Based on the present results and an analysis of reports on the chromosomal constitution of MM cells in the literature, we suggest that abnormalities involving chromosomes 6 and 7 may be a characteristic feature of MM. Aberrations of chromosome 1, although common in MM, may be part of a general cytogenetic feature in human neoplasia.

Nonrandom chromosomal changes in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Nine cases of transitional cell carcinoma (eight from the urinary bladder and one from the ureter; six noninvasive and three invasive) were subjected to detailed cytogenetic analysis with a G-banding method. The synchronization of primary cultures with methotrexate for high-resolution banding was performed in five cases. In the remaining four cases, the chromosomes were obtained from short-term cultures after prolonged (16 hr) exposure to Colcemid. Two cases were near-tetraploid, one was hypotriploid, and six were near-diploid (three hyperdiploid and three hypodiploid). All but one case showed various structural abnormalities in the karyotype. The chromosomal changes ranged from the presence of only two abnormal chromosomes (markers) to complex karyotypes with as many as 15 markers. In most tumors, the origin of the marker chromosomes could be readily deciphered. The nonrandom chromosomal aberrations included: (a) an isochrosome of the short arm of chromosome 5 (three cases); (b) monosomy of chromosome 9 found in four cases (this was the sole abnormality in one case); (c) involvement of chromosome 8 as an isochromosome of the long arm (two cases) or loss of the short arm due to deletion (one case) or translocation (one case); and (d) interstitial deletion of chromosome 13 (three cases). Our results indicate that the formation of i(5p) and monosomy 9 may be the primary karyotypic changes in two subgroups of transitional cell carcinoma. Involvement of chromosomes 8 and 13, on the other hand, seems to be a result of secondary karyotypic evolution. Two invasive tumors showed the presence of secondary clones, with additional structural chromosome aberrations superimposed on those already existing in the main cell population. In both cases, the additional aberrations involved the short arm of chromosome 11, resulting in loss of genetic material from the short arm. The short arm of chromosome 11, is the putative site of an oncogene which has been isolated from human bladder carcinoma cell lines. Deletion of the 11p was also seen in one case of noninvasive transitional cell carcinoma localized in the ureter; the material from 11p was probably translocated to chromosome 13. These findings suggest that the loss of genetic material from the short arm of chromosome 11 is a secondary event in the karyotypic evolution of transitional cell carcinoma, probably related to the invasive behavior of the tumor.

Cytogenetic studies of tumor tissue from patients with nonfamilial renal cell carcinoma.

A method combining an enzymatic technique and short term culture was applied to 27 tumor tissues from 22 patients with nonfamilial renal cell carcinoma in order to establish the chromosome changes in these tumors. Chromosome analyses were successfully carried out in quinacrine mustard-Hoechst 33258 and G-banded preparations of 14 tumors from 12 patients, including 2 cases in which established cell lines were obtained after 43 and 64 days in culture and maintained for 25 and 30 passages in an in vitro system, respectively. The modal chromosome numbers ranged from 38-46 in 11 samples, involving chromosomes in structural and numerical changes and 72 chromosomes in one case, with the remaining 2 samples showing a variety of chromosome numbers. Banding analysis revealed 45 clonal aberrations in 11 tumor samples from 10 patients and nonclonal aberrations in the remaining 3 samples from 2 of the patients. Rearrangements of chromosome 3 were observed in 12 tumors, with the breakpoints on this chromosome almost totally clustered from p11 to p21. In one case both primary and metastatic tumors were studied, and an isochromosome for the long arm of chromosome 1 was observed as clonal in origin in the metastatic tissue. Two cases showed nonclonal changes. The remaining case had one clonal abnormality, i.e., deletion of 6q. Of the remaining 33 clones, chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 11, and 17 were frequently involved. These results suggest that renal cell carcinoma may be cytogenetically classified into 3 categories: (a) tumors with changes of chromosome 3: (b) tumors with other clonal aberrations; and (c) tumors without clonal changes. Rearrangements of chromosome 3 may be possibly associated with the genesis and/or progression of renal cell carcinoma.

Recurrent parapharyngeal rhabdomyoma. Evidence of neoplastic nature of the tumor from cytogenetic study.

A 64-year-old Caucasian male with a left parapharyngeal mass had a past medical history that was significant for excision of a benign rhabdomyoma of the soft palate 30 years previously. Then 25 years ago, the tumor recurred in the palate and retropharyngeal space on the left and was reexcised. Histologic examination of all three excisions showed adult rhabdomyoma. Ultrastructural and histochemical studies of the second excision of this tumor have been published previously. The present study included histologic, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic analyses. The histologic and ultrastructural features of the tumor were identical to those reported 25 years ago. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that the tumor cells were desmin and myoglobin positive and vimentin negative. Focal positivity for CD56 was also present. Intracellular inclusions in the tumor cells were strongly positive for desmin. Cytogenetic examination of short-term cultures of the tumor cells demonstrated clonal chromosome abnormalities in 60% of metaphases. The majority of cells showed a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17 as the sole abnormality. A minor clone was characterized by abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 10. The presence of clonal structural chromosome abnormalities in extracardiac adult rhabdomyoma lends strong support to the idea that these rare tumors are true neoplasms rather than hamartomatous or regenerative lesions.

Two mosaic cases with nonfluorescent Y chromosome analysed with Y-specific DNA probes.

Two cases of a nonfluorescent Y (Ynf) chromosome were diagnosed: one in a male, the other in a female. Both had similar complex mosaic chromosome constitutions with a 45,X cell line. DNA studies were applied in both cases for verification of the cytogenetic diagnosis. The results on the two patients were compared with data obtained from seven healthy men (46,XY), three healthy women (46,XX), two females with 46,XY karyotype, and from cell lines with 49,XXXXY and 48,XXXX chromosome constitution. The highly repetitive Y-specific DNA sequences located in the heterochromatic region of the long arm were absent in these patients. Differences in the composition of the euchromatic part of the Y chromosome were demonstrable in both patients. The highly repetitive Y-specific DNA sequences located in the heterochromatic region of the long arm were absent in these patients. Differences in the composition of the euchromatic part of the Y chromosome were demonstrable in both patients. The suggestion that the Ynf chromosome originates from a dicentric Y chromosome cannot be accepted as a complete explanation of the phenomenon, as it probably involves more complex molecular alterations of the abnormal Y chromosome. The presence of Ynf is associated with the presence of a 45,X cell line more often than in cases of simple Y chromosome deletions with the breakpoint localized in or below the Y euchromatin/heterochromatin junction.

Nonrandom secondary chromosome-aberrations in synovial sarcomas with t(x-18).

Thirty samples from 19 patients with synovial sarcoma were analyzed cytogenetically after short-term culturing. Thirteen samples were from primary tumors, 11 from local recurrences, and six from distant metastases. All samples showed the characteristic aberration t(X;18)(p11;q11) or variants thereof; 23 samples had additional numerical and/or structural changes. Including the present cases, chromosome aberrations have been reported in 74 synovial sarcomas, 50 of which have had secondary aberrations in addition to t(X;18). No secondary structural aberration was recurrent. The most common numerical changes were +7, +8, +12 (10 cases each), -3, +9, +21 (7 cases each), +2, -14, -17 (6 cases each), +4, -11, +15, and -22 (5 cases each). Unbalanced stuctural aberrations led to loss of 3p and 17p in six cases, each with loss of bands 3p21 and 17p13, respectively, in common. Most monosomies and trisomies seemed to occur at similar frequencies in primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. The only exceptions were +2, which was never seen in a primary tumor, and +8, which was never found in any metastatic lesion.

Dissecting aortic aneurysm as a complication of generalized fibromuscular dysplasia.

This is the first report of a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta caused by generalized vascular fibromuscular dysplasia. An 18-year-old black man suddenly developed paraparesis and bilateral pulse loss below the waist. An aortogram disclosed a dissecting aneurysm of the entire aorta and an obstruction of blood flow below the renal arteries. On postmortem examination, the dissection of the aorta was found to be due to fibromuscular dysplasia that affected not only the aorta, but multiple other arteries as well.

Cytogenetic and immunohistochemical profile of myxoid liposarcoma.

Cytogenetic and immunohistochemical studies were performed in nine myxoid liposarcomas. The tumor karyotype was determined after short-term culture of cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on frozen tissue in five cases and on paraffin-embedded tissue in three cases. Chromosomal analysis demonstrated a balanced translocation t(12;16) (q13;p11) as the sole abnormality in four cases. Two cases showed an association with other abnormalities. Three tumors showed variants of the t(12;16) translocation involving other chromosomes. In all cases studied, the 12q13 breakpoint was involved in rearrangements. In the majority of cases, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated vimentin (9 of 9) and S-100 protein (8 of 9). Strong focal expression of desmin was observed in two tumors. Weak focal expression was observed in three tumors. Two tumors, which were both desmin positive, showed focal expression of MSA and alpha-SMA. Strong expression of CD36 was present in all four cases that were studied for this marker. CD34 was negative in tumor cells, but it highlighted an intricate capillary network in the tumor. Close relationship between the tumor cells and pericapillary pericytes was demonstrated with CD34 and alpha-SMA strains. The authors conclude that myxoid liposarcoma is characterized by a specific chromosomal rearrangement. Its immunohistochemical profile is wider than previously believed, including expression of muscle markers.

Analysis of chromosome aneuploidy in ovarian dysgerminoma by flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

We determined the DNA ploidy and the centromeric copy number of chromosomes 7, 12, 18, and X in four cases of ovarian dysgerminoma using DNA flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific alpha-satellite probes. The analyses were performed on nuclei isolated from paraffin-embedded tissue. The DNA index of the tumors ranged from 1.75 to 2.08 (near tetraploid). The FISH analysis demonstrated five copies of chromosome 7 and four copies of chromosome 12 in most tumors. The copy number of chromosome 18 ranged from two to four. The X chromosome was present in three copies in most tumors. These data show that the aneuploidy profile of dysgerminoma is similar to that of testicular seminoma. Overrepresentation of chromosomes 7 and 12 and under-representation of chromosome 18 are characteristic cytogenetic features of seminoma. Seminoma and dysgerminoma share the same chromosomal marker, an isochromosome i(12p). Our data suggest that these tumors are also characterized by a similar, nonrandom pattern of chromosome gains and losses.

Well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of endometrium with simple karyotypic changes: a case report.

Chromosome analysis of a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the endometrium revealed an abnormal karyotype 48,XX,+i(1q)+10 in all metaphases examined. Abnormalities of chromosomes #1 and #10 may be important in endometrial carcinoma and should be carefully evaluated in cases with more complex karyotypes.

Chromosome rearrangements in a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Cytogenetic analysis of a metastatic tumor derived from an adenocarcinoma of the prostate revealed a hypodiploid karyotype with the presence of six marker chromosomes. The findings are discussed in relation to cytogenetic findings in other cancers, including those in prostatic cancer.

Chromosomal abnormalities in two chordomas.

Cytogenetic analyses of two sacral chordomas are reported. Both tumors showed clonal chromosome abnormalities, including numerical and structural aberrations. The modal chromosome numbers were 36 and 72, respectively. The hypodiploid tumor had a single structural abnormality identified as a der(21)t(1;21)(q21;q22). The near-triploid tumor had numerous structural rearrangements, including a der(21)t(2;21)(q11;q22), which involves the same band of chromosome 21 as the translocation in the first tumor. Prophasing was a prominent cytogenetic feature of this tumor. The consistent involvement of band 21q22 in translocations in two chordomas suggests a possible specific association of this chromosome region with chordoma. Protooncogenes ETS2 and ERG have been mapped to this chromosome band.

Clonal chromosome rearrangements in a uterine myoma.

A cytogenetic study of a myoma of uterus with extensive hyaline, myxoid, and cystic degeneration revealed a clonal karyotype with a complex structural rearrangement involving chromosomes #3, #12, #14, #17, and #22. The modal chromosome number of the tumor was 45 due to monosomy #22. Analysis of seven additional myomas of the uterus including five tumors with typical histology and two with degenerative changes showed no clonal abnormalities. Single metaphases with a trisomy and a translocation were detected in two tumors. We conclude that although many uterine myomas appear to have normal karyotypes, clonal chromosome abnormalities are present in some of these tumors.

Chromosome 6 in malignant melanoma.

Cytogenetic analysis of malignant melanoma (MM) cells from a number of cases revealed the frequent involvement of chromosome 6 in structural aberrations. The relevance of these findings to certain aspects of MM is briefly discussed.

Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. LIII. Comprehensive cytogenetic analysis of an erythroleukemia.

A comprehensive cytogenetic analysis has been performed in a case of erythroleukemia (EL), M6 in the FAB classification. A bone marrow sample was shown to be characterized by an unusually high degree of polyploidy with the presence of a dominating hypotetraploid clone. G-banding analysis revealed extensive structural rearrangements involving chromosomes #1,#3,#12,#16,#17, and #21. The SCE frequency was higher in the cells of the dominant clone when compared to that of near-diploid, presumably nonmalignant cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the hypotetraploid cells progressed through the cell cycle much slower than did the near-diploid cells.

Involvement of chromosomes 7 and 12 in large bowel cancer: trisomy 7 and 12q-.

Cytogenetic analysis of an adenocarcinoma of the large bowel with some villous features revealed consistent chromosome changes: trisomy of chromosomes No. 7, 12, and 20 and a deletion of part of the long arm of a chromosome No. 12. Examination of the chromosome findings in previously published cases of large bowel cancers and the data presented in this paper lead us to suggest that trisomy No. 7 and 12q- may be nonrandom (primary) karyotypic changes in a subgroup of large bowel cancers.

Chromosome changes in germ cell tumors of the testis.

Chromosome analysis was performed on short-term cultures established from samples of six tumors of the testis. Histologically, four tumors were embryonal cell carcinomas (three primary, one metastatic) and two of mixed histology with predominance of teratoma. The modal chromosome number was hypotriploid in four tumors, triploid in one, and hypertriploid in another. All tumors contained structurally abnormal chromosomes, ranging in number from 1 to 10 in different cases. A small metacentric marker chromosome, identified as an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome #12 [i(12p)], was present in all tumors analyzed. Unlike other marker chromosomes, this one was invariably present in at least two copies per metaphase in all cases; all other chromosome markers were present in single copy in all tumors. Together with the previous reports on the presence of i(12p) in seminoma and teratoma of the testis, our findings suggest that this karyotypic abnormality is characteristic for all histologic varieties of germ cell tumors of the testis.

Use of radiation induced chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes as a biological dosimeter is questionable.

Using dicentric chromosomes and acentric fragments as indicators of radiation sensitivity, a study has been performed on human lymphocyte chromosomes by irradiating peripheral blood cells at G0. Donor-to-donor variation has been noticed regarding radiation sensitivity even when metaphase spreads were scored at the first cell cycle. Thus, it appears that, at the present state, use of chromosomal damage in peripheral blood cell cultures as an effective biological dosimeter for effects of radiation is questionable.

A high-resolution study of chromosome changes in a human prostatic carcinoma cell line (LNCaP).

A high-resolution study of chromosomal rearrangements in a human prostatic cancer cell line, LNCaP, has been performed. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a pseudodiploid karyotype and the presence of seven marker chromosomes resulting from five aberrational events. The analysis of four clones derived from the original line showed a near-tetraploid chromosome number and the presence of the same seven markers observed in the original line. This is the first complete description of karyotypic rearrangements in a prostatic cancer cell line.