Chromosomes and chromosomal evolution in human mesotheliomas as reflected in sequential analyses of two cases.

Abstract

Sequential G-banding analyses were performed on two malignant mesotheliomas. The results were interpreted together with data from 3 previously reported cases. Four of the 5 mesotheliomas showed well established stemlines with distinctive numerical and structural changes while the fifth case, which was analyzed six times during a two-year period, was characterized by either only normal karyotypes or, more often, a mixture of normal and abnormal karyotypes. Several of the markers found in the 5 cases were identical or very similar. The chromosomes most frequently involved in marker formation were Nos. 3 and 6 and, to a lesser extent, also Nos. 2,7 and 13. Non-random numerical changes, usually losses, preferentially affected Nos. 14 and 22. The relationships of affected chromosomes and chromosome regions to known localizations of proto-oncogenes are considered. Also, the chromosomal evolution and the impact of certain etiological factors, particularly asbestos, on the chromosomal picture in mesotheliomas are discussed.