Numerical aberrations of chromosomes 16, 17, and 18 in hepatocellular carcinoma: a FISH and FCM analysis of 20 cases

Conventional cytogenetic studies have demonstrated frequent abnormalities of specific chromosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma, although there are few reports examining the relationship between chromosomal aberrations and clinicopathologic features. In this study, numerical aberrations of chromosomes 16, 17, and 18 were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using pericentromeric DNA probes in 20 cases of surgically removed hepatocellular carcinoma. DNA ploidy analysis was also performed by flow cytometry. Numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 16, 17, and 18 were found in 7 of 19 cases, 15 of 20 cases, and 12 of 20 cases, respectively. Gain and/or loss of more than one chromosome was detected in 16 of 19 cases. However, aneuploidy was seen in only 9 of 20 tumors by flow cytometry. The incidence of aneusomy 17 and 18 increased with tumor size and stage progression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that numerical chromosomal aberrations accumulated with tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.