Y chromosome abnormality in human stomach and lung cancer.

Abstract

Sex chromosome abnormalities in human stomach and lung cancers from 33 male patients were examined by Southern blot hybridization with pDP34 DNA probe, which recognizes X and Y chromosome-linked restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Contrary to the recent cytogenetic observations showing high incidence of loss of the Y chromosome in solid tumors, loss of the Y chromosome was observed in only 3 of 21 stomach cancers and 2 of 12 lung cancers. Gain of the Y chromosome was found in one of 12 lung cancers, but not in any of the stomach cancers. No X chromosome abnormality was found in any of these 33 stomach cancers and lung cancers.