Relationship among Genetic Alterations, DNA Content, and Clinicopathological Features in Primary Lung Adenocarcinomas.

Background: Only fragmentary information is available about the genomic imbalances affecting the malignant potential of lung cancers.

Patients And Methods: Chromosomal DNA sequence copy number aberrations (DSCNAs) and DNA content (ploidy status) were examined in 34 resected tumor specimens, using comparative genomic hybridization and laser scanning cytometry, respectively.

Results: Twenty-seven tumors showed DNA aneuploidy. Gains of 9q22-33 and 10q26-qter and loss of 15q14-qter were the significant indicators of lymph node metastasis. These DSCNAs were identified only in aneuploid tumors. Aneuploid tumors with any of these DSCNAs were associated with a worse prognosis than those not associated with any of these DSCNAs. The DNA index was a significant prognosticator in aneuploid tumors, although it was not dependent on the level of genetic alterations.

Conclusion: Clinically-relevant genetic alterations were identified predominantly in aneuploid tumors. The DNA content also affected the prognosis of patients with aneuploid tumors. Thus, a comprehensive genomic study of aneuploid lung adenocarcinomas should be of great clinical value.