Comparative interphase cytogenetics using FISH on human ovarian carcinomas.

Analyses using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on cytogenetic slides of 25 human ovarian carcinomas. Biotinylated alphoid DNA probes were used for the monocolor and bicolor detection of chromosomes #1, #7, #8, #11, #12, #17 and #20 in interphase nuclei of the target cell material. Specific loss of chromosomes #17 and #20 was the most significant finding in aberrant cell populations of the tumors, as was gain of chromosomes #7, #1, #8 and #11. By the use of probe combinations, the presence of combined gains and losses of several chromosomes within the same cell subpopulations could be shown in a series of tumors, while in others the significant numerical chromosome abnormalities found characterized various different cell populations. In summary, FISH could be shown to be a powerful tool of interphase cytogenetics, provided that its limitations are considered conscientiously.