Cytogenetics and clinical correlations in breast cancer

We describe an ongoing study examining the relevance of cytogenetic changes in primary and metastatic breast cancer. Tumors samples from breast cancer patients are karyotype using G-banding techniques, and all chromosomal findings, including the presence of structural and numeric clonal abnormalities, are documented in a dynamic patient data base. Information on essential clinical characteristics is collected, and patients are followed longitudinally for disease recurrence, progression, and survival. Statistical analyses will examine potential correlations between specific abnormalities and clinical features of the disease, and survival differences between patients will be examined as a function of karyotypic differences. We anticipate that this research will provide insights on the natural history of breast cancer and help direct the search for the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor genesis and progression.