Aneuploidy of chromosome 7 can be detected in invasive lung cancer and associated premalignant lesions of the lung by fluorescence in situ hybridisation

In the present study the chromosomal status of seven invasive non small cel l lung cancer specimens and associated premalignant lesions was investigate d. By fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with centromere specific pr obes, an increase in the percentage of aneuploid cells from pre-invasive to invasive lesions could be demonstrated (mean 8.5 and 59%, respectively, fo r chromosome 7). Furthermore, mean chromosome copy numbers were higher in i nvasive carcinomas as compared to premalignant lesions, indicating polyploi dization during tumor development. Increasing evidence suggests that aberra tions of chromosome 7 occur early in the development of lung cancer. Whethe r these aberrations can be used as a biomarker for future neoplastic progre ssion remains to be determined. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.