[Analyzing chromosomal abnormality in primary esophageal cancer by comparative genomic hybridization].

Background & Objective: Some researches have showed that chromosomal abnormalities, including chromosomal regions of gains and losses, usually occur in primary esophageal cancer. The comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technique can show chromosomal abnormality. This study was to analyze the characteristics of chromosomal abnormity in primary esophageal cancer by CGH, and explore its correlation to prognosis.

Methods: Chromosomal genetic changes in 16 specimens of primary esophageal cancer were detected by CGH. The correlation of chromosomal abnormality to the prognosis was analyzed. Of the 16 patients, 7 died within 2 years after operation (control group), 9 survived over 3 years after operation (survive group).

Results: Most of the patients had chromosomal genetic changes. The most frequent changes were gains of chromosome arms or regions 1q/p, 2q/p, 3q, 5q/p, 8q/p, 9q/p, 11q/p, 17, and 20q/p, and losses of chromosome arms or regions 1q/p, 4p, 9p, 18q, and xp. The differences in gains of chromosome arms or regions 7q/p and 19 and losses of chromosome arms or regions 4q/p and 18q between control group and survive group were significant.

Conclusions: Abnormal gains and losses of chromosome arms or regions tend to occur in esophageal cancer. The differences between control group and survive group are significant.