Relationship between cytogenetic aberrations by CGH coupled with tissue microdissection and DNA ploidy by laser scanning cytometry in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between DNA sequence copy number aberrations (DSCNAs) and DNA ploidy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is still controversial. Materials and Methods We analyzed DSCNAs by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) combined with microdissection and DNA ploidy by laser scanning cytometry (LSC) in 18 surgically removed HNSCCs and compared the data. RESULTS: Copy number increases were most frequently observed on chromosomes 3q (16 cases), 8q (13 cases), and 12p (11 cases). Copy number decreases were observed on chromosome 3p (14 cases). LSC revealed DNA aneuploidy in 10 of the 18 cases. All DNA aneuploid tumors exhibited gain or amplification of DNA copy number at 12p11-12.1, whereas gain of DNA copy number was found in only 1 of 8 diploid tumors. DSCNAs were more frequent in DNA aneuploid tumors than in diploid tumors (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The present observations indicate a close relationship between DSCNAs and DNA ploidy in HNSCCs.