Chromosomes of metastatic ovarian carcinoma treated with a progestogen and alkylating agents

Abstract

Chromosomes of a patient with metastatic carcinoma, presumably ovarian in origin, were studied using a direct flame-dry method. Two cell lines were observed in the peritoneal fluid, one with a diploid karyotype, representing reactive cells and the other with an aneuploid karyotype, representing neoplastic cells. Although clinical improvement was noted after the administration of hydroxyprogesterone caproate, this progestogen appeared to have failed in arresting proliferation of neoplastic cells. Alkylating agents depressed both cell lines, but the reactive diploid cell line was more profoundly affected than aneuploid cell line. Chromosomal studies from the peritoneal fluid, umbilical lesion, and inguinal nodes demonstrated the identical karyotypic abnormalities, providing definitive evidence for metastases.