Recurrent chromosomal imbalances in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma - The association between 1q amplification and tumor recurrence

BACKGROUND. Lung carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. To better understand this disease, the authors studied genetic alterations in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the association between genetic changes and clinical features. METHODS. Genetic alterations in 30 patients with adenocarcinoma (AC) and 39 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization. The genetic changes in patients with AC and SCC were compared and the associations of these changes with clinical features were studied. RESULTS. A gain of 3q with a minimal amplified region at 3q25.3-qter was significantly higher in patients with SCC compared with patients with AC (72% vs. 27%; P < 0.001). A gain of 20q and loss of chromosome 9 were detected more frequently in patients with AC compared with patients with SCC (P < 0.05). Gains of 5p and 20q and loss of 5q were significantly correlated with an advanced stage of NSCLC (P < 0.05). Amplification of 1q was significantly associated with NSCLC recurrence (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS. The results of the current study suggested that different chromosomal aberrations may contribute to the types and pathologic stages of NSCLC.