Cytogenetic characterization of Ewing tumors using fine needle aspiration samples: a 10-year experience and review of the literature

Chromosomal analysis was performed in fine needle aspiration samples of 98 primary Ewing tumors (ETs) prior to treatment. Among the 58 (59.18%) succes sful cultures, t(11;22)(q24:q12) was observed in 87.9% and 6.8% had abnorma lities other than t(11;22), viz., del(22)(q12), der(16)t(1; 16)(q12;11), an d variant t(8;22)(q24:q12). Involvement of breakpoints 1q21, 1q22, 3p14. 16 q22. and 17p13 was also observed. Numerical abnormalities such as trisomies 8 and 12 were found in 29.3% and 20.6% and trisomy 18 in 17.2%. An attempt was made to evaluate the role of these additional changes in the process o f tumor development, metastasis, and progression of the disease. This is th e largest cytogenetic study on ET from a single center using a simple and r eliable technique of fine-needle aspiration culture. The literature on cyto genetics of ET is reviewed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reser ved.