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Clonal origin of multifocal renal cell carcinoma as determined by microsatellite analysis

Kerstin Junker1, Katharina Thrum, Andreas Schlichter

  • 1Department of Urology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.

The Journal of Urology
|November 21, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multifocal renal cell carcinomas often share a common origin, suggesting satellite tumors are intrarenal metastases. This finding impacts understanding local recurrence risk after kidney-sparing surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Uropathology

Background:

  • Satellite lesions in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occur in 7-25% of cases, posing a risk for local recurrence after nephron-sparing surgery.
  • The malignant potential and metastatic origin of these small satellite tumors remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the clonal origin of multifocal tumors in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) using molecular genetic analysis.
  • To investigate whether satellite tumors represent intrarenal metastases.

Main Methods:

  • Microsatellite analysis was performed on 19 multifocal ccRCC samples using 6 chromosome 3p markers.
  • Standard polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and automated DNA sequencing were employed.

Main Results:

  • All primary ccRCC tumors exhibited loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 3p.
  • Seventeen of 19 cases showed identical microsatellite alterations in multifocal tumors, indicating a common clonal origin.
  • Two cases displayed distinct microsatellite patterns within the same kidney.

Conclusions:

  • Identical microsatellite alterations in multifocal ccRCC strongly suggest a common clonal origin in most instances.
  • These findings support the hypothesis that satellite tumors in ccRCC are a result of intrarenal metastasis.
  • Further correlation with clinical outcomes is necessary to understand the implications for patients with multifocal RCC.

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