Chromosome 7q deletions: observations on 13 malignant tumors

Deletions of the long arm of chromosome 7, with breakpoints varying from q11 to q34, are described in 13 malignant tumors, including three carcinomas of the prostate, three colorectal carcinomas, and four testicular germ cell tumors. In two of the tumors, the chromosome also had a deletion of 7p. Review of the literature shows that 7q- chromosomes have been detected in various tumor types and are particularly common in benign and malignant mesothelial tumors, secondary leukemias, testicular cancers, and carcinomas of the ovary and prostate. Their significance may lie in loss of an unknown tumor-suppressor gene situated distally on 7q.