Translocations in solid tumours

Specific chromosomal translocations have now been identified in a variety of solid tumour types. Recent developments in this field include the identification of novel genes involved in the t(X;18) synovial sarcoma translocation and the discovery that the high-mobility group protein gene, HMGI-C, is involved in the chromosome 12 rearrangements found in lipomas and uterine leiomyomas. These discoveries may have important implications for the strategies used in tumour diagnosis and treatment.