Molecular cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors.

Abstract

Molecular cytogenetic methods including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) can be used for surgically removed solid tumors to obtain information valuable for both biomedical research and clinical oncology. FISH allows cytogenetic analysis even of cells in interphase. In addition, because CGH analysis permits comprehensive analysis of alterations in DNA copy number in a single experiment, it is possible to estimate not only the genetic pathways of carcinogenesis but also the biological characteristics, such as metastatic potential and patient prognosis at the time of diagnosing the solid tumor. The number of DNA copy number aberrations increases with tumor progression, leading to the concept of genetic staging of malignant tumors. Molecular cytogenetic analysis aids in realizing individualized, tailored medicine in cancer patients; therapeutic strategies are constructed for individual patients based on specific genetic alterations.