Intratumoral DNA content heterogeneity in breast carcinomas demonstrated by core punch tissue sampling and flow cytometry. Issue 9 (18th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhouwei; Weaver, Donald L; Munjal, Kavita; Evans, Mark F
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 67:Issue 9(2014)
• Page Start: 821
• Page End: 824
• Publication Date: 2014-06-18
• Subjects: Breast Cancer -- Flow Cytometry -- DNA -- Methodology -- Ploidy; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Further to advancements in instrumentation and fluorescent dye technologies, there has been a resurgence of interest in the flow cytometric assay of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. Here we present a novel, simple and effective alternative to whole block sectioning that allows selective multisampling of tissues within a specimen block and the investigation of intratumoral heterogeneity. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast carcinoma specimens were core-punched using 1.0 mm diameter needles and assayed by flow cytometry using a modified Hedley method. Intratumoral heterogeneity for DNA index and per cent S-phase fraction was detected in 10 of 23 (44%) and 11 of 23 (47%) specimens respectively. Macro-level genomic heterogeneity is common in breast cancer even within a single surgical specimen block. Studies investigating the relationship of DNA content heterogeneity to other markers of genomic instability such as mutations, deletions, insertions and translocations are warranted.