Methods of molecular analysis: assessing losses and gains in tumours
- Correspondence to: R Roylance, Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK; r.roylance{at}icrf.icnet.uk
- Accepted 15 March 2001
Abstract
The study of chromosomal aberrations has facilitated the understanding of tumorigenesis. By applying molecular genetic techniques to regions highlighted by cytogenetic study, many genes important in tumorigenesis have been identified. This review will describe the cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic techniques used to identify these changes. The clinical information that they can provide, including diagnostic and prognostic information, will also briefly be discussed.
