Analysis of phenotype and genotype of individual cells in neoplasms

The authors describe a combination technique enabling detection of in situ hybridization (ISH) signals from chromosome-specific probes in interphase or mitotic cells that still retain the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase (APAAP) or Sudan black B (SBB) staining reactions (simultaneous detection) or have been first classified morphologically and then by APAAP or SBB. The technique can be used on cell suspensions, in situ cultures and tissue sections. Examples from leukemias (chronic lymphocytic, myeloid, and acute myeloid leukemia) and solid tumors (chondromyxoid fibroma and glioblastoma) illustrate the potential of the technique in investigation of cancer tissue heterogeneity. In leukemias, it can be used to study cell lineage involvement, stem cells, and minimal residual disease, as well as to monitor therapy. In solid tumors, it can be used to identify neoplastic areas of tissue and to track the site of origin of neoplastic cells. Finally, it can be used to study the significance of chromosome abnormalities in carcinogenesis.