COMBINED STRATEGY OF CONVENTIONAL CYTOGENETICS, FLUORESCENT IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION AND CHROMOSOME MORPHOMETRY FOR ANALYSIS OF PAROTID-GLAND TUMOR

The limiting factors in conventional cytogenetic analysis of cell cult ure, especially of solid tumors, include insufficient metaphases, over growth of abnormal mitotic cells by normal cells, and suboptimal quali ty of harvesting and banding. Despite the availability of numerous pro tocols to induce G-banding, as well as Q-, R-, and C-banding, occasion s still arise in which the analysis is severely limited by these facto rs and incomplete conclusions are often drawn as to the precise nature of the chromosomal abnormality, if indeed any can be detected. By ado pting a rational approach of (1) close monitoring of cultures and rapi d harvesting as soon as it is feasible, and (2) analysis of available metaphases by a combination of the GTG technique, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosome morphometry using a graphic arts tool, a significant improvement in success rate may be more readily ac hieved. Here pathological and cytogenetic data are presented of a case of parotid gland carcinoma ex mixed tumor with the karyotype of 46, X X, del(5)(q12), dir ins(8;5)(q12;q12qter), add(12)(p13)/46,XX. This ca se is utilized to illustrate the importance of application of our comb ined strategy.