Chromosomal aberrations in ascetic fluid of metastatic gastric cancer patients: A clustering analysis

To date, no specific pattern of chromosomal abnormalities has been established in gastric cancer (GC). Cytogenetic analysis was performed using G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 9 ascetic fluids from GC patients, and the clustering patterns of chromosomal abnormalities were studied. Twenty-six different types of chromosomal abnormalities were identified. In contrast to structural abnormalities, the gain or loss of chromosomes was infrequent. Moreover, five main clusters of chromosomal abnormalities were identified by clustering analysis. Extensive cytogenetic complexity, specific chromosomal abnormalities and karyotype heterogeneity are the main characterizations of GC. Some of the recurrent and novel chromosomal abnormalities with distinct clustering patterns identified in this study may play important roles for GC initiation and progression and could serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic markers in GC patients.