Chromosomal abnormalities in human breast cancer.

This review emphasizes cytogenetic changes and DNA analyses by Southern blot in primary breast tumors, rather than metastases, established cell lines, and pleural effusions. The data suggests that the most frequently altered chromosomes and chromosome regions are 1p, 1q, 2q, 3p, 5, 6q, 8p, 8q, 11p, 11q, 12, 13q, 14q, 16, 17p, and 17q. Changes on 8q, 11p, 11q, 13q, and 17q appear to be associated with either progression of the disease or poor prognosis. Alterations on 1p and 3p may represent early events in the development of breast cancer.