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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
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Technical Demonstration of Whole Genome Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Published on: August 5, 2008
Comparative genomic hybridization of postirradiation sarcomas
M Tarkkanen1, T A Wiklund, M J Virolainen
1Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland. maija.tarkkanen@helsinki.fi
Cancer
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Genetic analysis of postirradiation sarcomas reveals frequent copy-number aberrations, particularly losses at 1p, distinguishing them from sporadic tumors and potentially explaining their poor prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a known risk factor for developing highly malignant postirradiation sarcomas.
- These sarcomas arise years after radiation exposure and their genetic underpinnings are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genome-wide DNA copy-number changes in postirradiation sarcomas.
- To compare the genetic profiles of postirradiation sarcomas with those of sporadic sarcomas.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to analyze DNA copy-number alterations in 27 postirradiation sarcomas.
- The study screened for genome-wide DNA sequence copy number changes.
Main Results:
- Seventy-four percent of tumors exhibited copy-number aberrations, with a mean of 5.3 per tumor; gains were more common than losses.
- Frequent gains were observed at 7q11.2-q21, 7q22, and 7p15-pter, while losses were common at 11q23-qter and 13q22-q32.
- Postirradiation osteosarcomas showed frequent losses at 1p (57%), unlike sporadic osteosarcomas (3%), suggesting distinct genetic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Frequent gains at 7q and 8q in postirradiation sarcomas may contribute to their poor prognosis, similar to sporadic sarcomas.
- Distinct genetic aberrations, such as 1p loss in osteosarcomas, differentiate postirradiation sarcomas from sporadic types.
- High malignancy grade, late diagnosis, and central location also contribute to the poor prognosis of these tumors.
