Chromosomal analysis of neuroblastoma

Ten children with abdominal neuroblastoma were included in the study. Biopsies from the neuroblastomas were taken during surgical operations, nine from the primary tumours and one from a metastasis. Histopathology was done for diagnosis. Chromosomal cultures of neuroblastoma cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes were performed. The peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed normal chromosomal complements. The 10 tumours were in the peridiploid range with random gains or losses of chromosomes. Deletion of the short arm of chromosome number 1 distal to band p31 occurred in 6 tumours. Other structural changes and giant markers were found. It was concluded that a regulatory gene controlling the transformation gene of neuroblastoma, is present at or distal to lp31.