[Frequent chromosomal gain of 4q and loss of 1p in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the genetic changes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Cantonese.

METHODS

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was performed on 17 primary NPC biopsy specimens to find out any gain or loss of genetic material.

RESULTS

A novel copy number gain on chromosome 4q and loss of chromosome 1p were found at high frequency (> 50%). The other more common genetic alterations included gain of chromosomes 4q, 12q, and 1q as well as loss of chromosomes 1p, 3p, 11q, 14q, 15q, 13q, Xq, 9q, 10p, 10q, and 16q.

CONCLUSION

Current analysis has revealed a comprehensive profile of the chromosomal changes in NPC. Frequently altered loci may encode oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes involved in the development of primary NPC.