Nonrandom chromosomal changes in retinoblastomas

The analysis of the karyotype in 76 retinoblastomas (24 our cases and 52 described in the literature) has revealed nonrandom changes of Iq, 6p, 13, 16 and the sex chromosomes. Complete or partial trisomy Iq was observed in 44 out of 76 tumours. Tetra-or trisomy 6p was found in 35 and 6 cases respectively. Chromosome 13 monosomy or its long arm deletion was described in 11 tumours. Monosomy 16 and loss of the X or Y--in 18 and 12 cases. The specific feature of retinoblastoma karyotype is presence (along with two normal homologues of the pair 6) of the marker chromosome i (6p). Possible causes of unexpectedly rare abnormalities of chromosome 13 in retinoblastoma cells were discussed in the light of well known data on predisposing role of constitutional deletion 13q14, and recent molecular genetic studies showing the significance of recessive tumour genes in carcinogenesis. The cytological signs of gene amplification (HSRs, DMs) were revealed in few retinoblastomas. However, the recent data on N-myc gene amplification and its elevated expression in several retinoblastomas indicate that amplification of the oncogene(s) might be involved in the genesis of this tumour. Further studies are needed to understand the correlative role of specific chromosome rearrangements, gene(s) amplification and action of recessive rb gene, located at 13q14 in initiation and progression of retinoblastoma.