Clinical relevance of chromosome abnormalities in non-small cell lung cancer

The relationship between clonal chromosome alterations and various clinical parameters was evaluated in 70 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom detailed karyotypic assessment was possible. Included in the analysis are karyotypes of 63 previously published cases and seven new NSCLCs. Clinical features investigated were diagnosis, tumor stage and grade, gender, smoking history measured in pack years, and survival. Certain chromosome abnormalities were significantly associated with histologic subtype, tumor grade, stage, and prognosis. Rearrangements involving chromosome arms 2p and 3q were more common in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than in adenocarcinoma (ADC). Loss of 3p was observed more often in SCC. Gain of 7p was more frequent in ADC. Rearrangement of 17p was associated with a lower tumor grade. Rearrangement of Xp and loss of chromosome 12 or 22 were each associated with higher tumor stage. Rearrangement of 3p or 6q was correlated with a better survival outlook. In contrast, loss of chromosomes 4 or 22 portended a poor prognosis. Finally, an increased number of marker chromosomes was observed in patients having a higher number of pack years. These data indicate that chromosome abnormalities can have clinical and pathologic significance in NSCLC.