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Published on: September 25, 2011
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization in ulcerative colitis neoplasia: single non-dysplastic biopsies
Mary P Bronner1, Marek Skacel, David A Crispin
1Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. bronnem@ccf.org
Summary
Genomic alterations in ulcerative colitis progressors can be detected in non-dysplastic biopsies, potentially reducing the need for extensive colonoscopic surveillance in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Genomics
- Oncology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients have a 10% risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.
- Current surveillance relies on lifelong colonoscopies for all UC patients, which is burdensome.
- There is a need for better risk markers to identify high-risk UC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genomic alterations in non-dysplastic biopsies of ulcerative colitis patients.
- To assess the potential of these alterations as biomarkers for colorectal neoplasia risk.
- To explore methods for reducing the need for extensive colonoscopic surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used.
- Non-dysplastic biopsies from UC progressors, non-progressors, and controls were analyzed.
- Genomic DNA was hybridized to bacterial artificial chromosome arrays.
Main Results:
- Genomic gains and losses were found in 33% of UC progressors but none of the controls using low-density arrays.
- Higher-density arrays distinguished all progressors from controls.
- Genomic alterations were detected even in non-dysplastic biopsies distant from neoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Widespread genomic alterations occur in UC progressors, even in distant non-dysplastic tissue.
- These findings suggest a potential biomarker for identifying high-risk UC patients.
- This approach may reduce the need for extensive colonoscopic surveillance in the majority of UC patients.
