FLUORESCENT IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION ANALYSIS IN BLOOD-LYMPHOCYTES OF LUNG-CANCER PATIENTS

Genetic predisposition to lung cancer was determined by observing nonr andom chromosomal alterations in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) o f lung cancer patients. The histological distribution of the cases sho wed that chromosomes 7 and 9 were frequently altered in squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) patients. We analyzed PBLs of 26 SCLC patients a nd 5 controls using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with whol e chromosome painting probes of chromosomes 7 and 9 to further investi gate the frequency of rearrangements in these chromosomes. Our results suggested that seeking nonrandom aberrations in larger numbers of cel ls using FISH strengthened our preview observation of mosaicism and in volvement of specific chromosomes in lung cancer patients. On combinin g our previous data, aberrations in chromosome 7 (16 of 26 patients), chromosome 9 (14 of 26), and the present study, we could actually pinp oint more individuals with abnormalities of chromosome 7 (23 of 26) an d chromosome 9 (21 of 26). Thus, analyzing more cells in PBLs and addi ng FISH analysis serve as useful adjuncts to out. studies of nonrandom chromosomal aberrations and genetic mosaicicm.