CHROMOSOMAL-ABERRATIONS IN WILMS-TUMOR

In 26 consecutive patients operated for Wilms' tumour samples from the tumour were genetically analyzed. Clonal acquired chromosome aberrati ons were found in 13 patients and a constitutional trisomy 18 as the s ole change in 1. The chromosome number was altered in 13 patients. Num erical changes occurred in 16 patients and breakpoint of chromosome 1 in 6 patients. There was no structural alteration of chromosome 11. Th e observed cytogenetic heterogeneity illustrates the complexity of gen etic changes involved in the genesis and progression of Wilms' tumour. To further elucidate the phenotypic impact of chromosomal aberrations the correlation to histology and the clinical course will be importan t.