Gene amplification detected in carcinoma cells from human urinary bladder washings by the polymerase chain reaction method.

Abstract

Urinary bladder carcinoma often is diagnosed from malignant cells in bladder washings obtained at cystoscopic examination. In some cases, there are difficulties distinguishing between cytologic Grades 1 and 2. Detection of genetic alterations in combination with morphologic analysis may facilitate the diagnosis. The presence of amplified c-erb-B2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) was examined in tumor cells present in bladder washings. The gene copy number was determined with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The authors detected amplified c-erb-B2 and EGF-R in cancer cells of cytologic Grade 2 and 3 tumors. They did not detect amplification in cytologic Grade 1 tumor cells or in cells from bladders, without known malignant neoplasms. Examination of genetic alterations, in combination with morphologic analysis, facilitates the diagnosis of carcinoma.