Genomic alterations detected by comparative genomic hybridization in primary lung adenocarcinomas with special reference to the relationship with DNA ploidy.

To clarify the clinicopathological and biological significance of genomic alterations in pulmonary adenocarcinomas, we examined chromosomal DNA sequence copy number aberrations (DSCNAs) and DNA ploidy in 42 surgically resected specimens by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and laser scanning cytometry (LSC), respectively. The number of DSCNA did not affect the size of carcinoma or number of nodal metastasis. More than 60% of carcinomas showed a 1q21-23 gain or 13q21 loss. Gains of 9q22-33 and 10q26-qter and a loss of 15q14-qter were significantly associated with nodal metastasis (p<0.05). Of 42 pulmonary adenocarcinomas, 32 (76%) showed DNA aneuploidy. The number of DSCNAs in aneuploid carcinomas was larger than that in diploid carcinomas (p<0.01). Our results suggest that diploid and aneuploid types are cytogenetically different in pulmonary adenocarcinomas and aneuploid carcinomas are genetically more unstable and aggressive than diploid carcinomas.