The deletion of chromosome 11q is observed frequently in tumors of the
large intestine. To investigate the relationship between aberrations
of chromosome 11 and histopathological features of colorectal carcinom
a, we examined the frequency of chromosome aberrations using fluoresce
nce in situ hybridization to 29 short-term cultured cells from surgica
l specimens. Numerical aberrations were not related to any factors. Th
e deletion of chromosome 11 was frequently observed in larger (greater
than or equal to 5 cm) and more invasive tumors (greater than or equa
l to T3 category) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of aberration
s tended to increase in Dukes' B. Although translocation of chromosome
11 was also found in 17% of cases, it was not associated with histopa
thological features. Our findings indicate that the deletion of chromo
some 11 is closely related to the progression of colorectal carcinoma.