Detection of epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification in human squamous cell carcinomas using fluorescence in situ hybridization.

The gene for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with development of certain human cancers. In this study, we employed the improved fluorescence in situ hybridization technique to detect EGFR gene amplification in cell lines and tissue sections from human squamous cell carcinomas. We detected multiple distinct signals as arrayed amplicons on metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei of tumor cells. Our results provide a basis for rapid and quantitative DNA diagnosis of the EGFR gene amplification in individual cells of tumor specimens.

epidermal growth factor receptor

fluorescence in situ hybridization

propidium iodide

fluorescein isothiocyanate