Analysis of pilocytic astrocytoma by comparative genomic hybridization

Very little is known about genetic abnormalities involved in the developmen t of pilocytic astrocytoma, the most frequently occurring brain tumour of c hildhood. We have analysed 48 pilocytic astrocytoma specimens using compara tive genomic hybridization. Only five of 41 tumours from children showed ab normalities detectable by comparative genomic hybridization, and in each ca se this represented gain of a single chromosome. Interestingly, two of seve n rumours from adults showed abnormalities, which were multiple and relativ ely complex. Six of the seven tumours showing abnormalities were from femal e patients (two adults and four children). The most frequently detectable a bnormality was gain of 9q34.1-qter, which was present in three cases (two a dult and one paediatric). (C) 2000 Cancer Research Campaign.