2 SUBCLONES IN A CASE OF UVEAL MELANOMA - RELEVANCE OF MONOSOMY-3 ANDMULTIPLICATION OF CHROMOSOME-8Q

Monosomy 3 and multiplication of 8q are nonrandom findings in uveal me lanoma. We present a case in which two subclones could be detected. Bo th had monosomy 3 in common. Furthermore, a multiplication of chromoso me 8 material was also seen in both subclones. However it was based on different kinds of aberrations and was accompanied by further anomali es, such as loss of a Y-chromosome, an additional chromosome 7, and an additional marker chromosome, in only one clone. This finding allows some insight into the relevance of the most frequently found anomalies of chromosome 3 and 8 in uveal melanoma. As monosomy 3 occurred befor e any subclone differentiation, it must be an early, if not primary, e vent in the genesis of this tumor. Multiplication of chromosome 8, spe cifically of 8q, however may contribute to the clonal evolution of thi s tumor.