Enhanced sensitivity of skin fibroblasts from neurofibromatosis patients to transformation by the Kirsten murine sarcoma virus. A potential laboratory assay for individuals at risk of cancer.

The present work describes a laboratory assay for individuals predisposed to cancer within NF pedigrees. The assay is based on the association between the increased sensitivity of human skin fibroblasts to transformation by the Kirsten murine sarcoma virus and predisposition to cancer in clinically affected patients and in otherwise apparently healthy individuals within NF pedigrees. The more sensitive the cells are to transformation by KiMSV, the greater the probability that a person from whom such cells have been derived will develop cancer. The results show a strong correlation with the NF trait. Together with the clinical data this laboratory assay could, therefore, be used to ascertain the NF genotype.