CyDAS: a cytogenetic data analysis system.

For statistical analyses in cancer cytogenetics, the genomic changes encoded by the karyotype must be translated into numerical codes. We developed a program, which extracts chromosomal gains and losses as well as breakpoints from the karyotype. The changes are compiled in tables according to the chromosome bands involved and/or depicted in projection to the respective chromosome ideogram.

Computer aided analysis of additional chromosome aberrations in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using a simplified computer readable cytogenetic notation.

Background: The analysis of complex cytogenetic databases of distinct leukaemia entities may help to detect rare recurring chromosome aberrations, minimal common regions of gains and losses, and also hot spots of genomic rearrangements. The patterns of the karyotype alterations may provide insights into the genetic pathways of disease progression.

Results: We developed a simplified computer readable cytogenetic notation (SCCN) by which chromosome findings are normalised at a resolution of 400 bands.