Loss of 3p or 11p alleles is associated with testicular cancer tumors.

Constitutional and tumor genotypes defined by polymorphic DNA markers were examined in 31 testicular cancer patients. Constitutional karyotypes were analyzed and clinical data presented. We analyzed 11 loci representing 8 chromosomes, including regions frequently deleted in other types of cancer. Loss of 3p or 11p sequences was detected in 8 of 28 heterozygotes (28%) and in 5 of 20 heterozygotes (25%). This gives a combined total loss of 40%. The other autosomal loci tested showed no loss or a loss of less than 10% of alleles. We suggest that this loss of heterozygosity for genetic material on chromosome 3p or on 11p is nonrandom and important in the development of a major subset of testicular neoplasms.