Cancer Cytogenetics

The first three editions of this acclaimed book presented a much-needed conceptual synthesis of this rapidly moving field. Now, Cancer Cytogenetics, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive, expanded, and up-to-date review of recent dramatic advances in this area, incorporating a vast amount of new data from the latest basic and clinical investigations. New contributors reflecting broader international authorship and even greater expertise Greater emphasis throughout on the clinical importance and application of information about cytogenetic and molecular aberrations Includes a complete coverage of chromosome aberrations in cancer based on an assessment of the 60,000 neoplasms cytogenetically investigated to date Now produced in full color for enhanced clarity Covers how molecular genetic data (PCR-based and sequencing information) are collated with the cytogenetic data where pertinent Discusses how molecular cytogenetic data (based on studies using FISH, CGH, SNP, etc) are fused with karyotyping data to enable an as comprehensive understanding of cancer cytogenetics as is currently possible

A collection of key cytogenetic and FISH techniques used by modern clinical laboratories in the genetic analysis of human malignancies. The book's practical advice and methods are suitable for use at every level of expertise, including fully established laboratories, but with a sympathetic bias towards anyone considering setting up a new cytogenetics service. Here the reader will find not only elementary tutorials on the fundamentals of human karyotypes and chromosome analysis, but also detailed discussions on how laboratories may optimally upgrade their repertoire of capabilities to include such newer complementary techniques as CGH, FISH, and M-FISH.

Cancer Cytogenetics, 3rd Edition, offers a comprehensive, expanded, and up-to-date review of recent dramatic advances in this area and incorporates a vast amount of new data from the latest basic and clinical investigations. Edited by two leading experts, and now involving a new panel of international experts, the book offers an authoritative description of neoplastic processes at the chromosomal level of genomic organization. Researchers in cytogenetics, medical and molecular genetics, cellular and molecular biology, cancer research, clinical oncology, and hematology will find this reference both thorough and authoritative.

Explore the past, present, and future of cancer cytogenetics In Abnormal Chromosomes: The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer Cytogenetics, globally renowned researchers Drs. Sverre Heim and Felix Mitelman deliver a state-of-the-art review of how cancer cytogenetic analyses have contributed to an improved understanding of tumorigenesis as well as to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. The book also discusses how cytogenetics – the study of chromosomes - meets, interacts with, and cross-fertilizes other investigative technologies, including molecular somatic cell genetics. The book provides an impetus to think more deeply about the role chromosomes, and their abnormalities, play in health and disease, especially in neoplastic disorders. From which origins did cytogenetics develop? How did the finding of acquired chromosomal abnormalities in cells of leukemias and solid tumors influence our understanding of cancer as a biological process? How was information of this nature put to good use in the clinical management of cancer patients? Abnormal Chromosomes: The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer Cytogenetics offers readers: A thorough introduction to ancient theories of disease, the advent of cellular pathology, and how a scientific interest in chromosomes developed Comprehensive exploration of the conceptual importance of Theodor Boveri and his somatic mutation theory of cancer A detailed chronological resume of cancer cytogenetic discoveries during the 20th century In-depth discussions of the role of chromosome abnormalities, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes in leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors, together with a survey of what chromosome analyses have revealed about the clonal evolution of neoplastic cell populations A discussion of the importance of pathogenetic classifications of neoplastic diseases, the role chromosome abnormalities play in this context, and which technological breakthroughs can be expected in chromosome-oriented cancer research Abnormal Chromosomes: The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer Cytogenetics was written for everyone with a scientific or clinical interest in cancer, especially how acquired chromosome abnormalities lead to neoplastic transformation. The book teaches how cytogenetic analyses contribute to a better understanding of tumorigenesis, but also how the finding of specific chromosome aberrations can be crucial for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cancer patients.

Cytogenetic studies of malignancy have become an essential tool in the clinical management of cancer patients. Cancer Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols presents eminently practical key cytogenetic and FISH techniques for every stage of diagnostic service. Experts in the field describe detailed cytogenetic analysis methods, fluorescence in situ hybridization and array methods currently being applied to investigate and diagnose different varieties of cancer. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, and step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols. The authors of the various chapters have also provided extensive notes to guide individuals who are new to these methods through the pitfalls that bedevil all such testing. Authoritative and accessible, Cancer Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to scientists of all backgrounds, allowing them to either establish new techniques in their laboratories or find the different variations of standard methods helpful in improving their results.

Seventeen cutting-edge chapters review both basic research and clinical applications of chromosomal markers of cancer. The new markers offer great promise, not only for their clinical utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring, but also for their contributions to a better understanding of the mechanisms of tumor development and progression. The chapters-all written by leading authorities-skillfully reveal fresh insights into the translational role of cytogenetics in identifying the cellular and molecular changes that occur in cancer. Coverage is devoted to many tissue systems-colon, breast, prostate, lung, skin, brain, and kidney-where the diagnostic and prognostic utility of chromosome markers is clearly demonstrated. A seminal book certain to become the front-line reference and authoritative resource needed by all scientists and clinicians engaged in cancer research, diagnosis, and management.

Cytogenetics is the study of chromosome morphology, structure, pathology, function, and behavior. The field has evolved to embrace molecular cytogenetic changes, now termed cytogenomics. Cytogeneticists utilize an assortment of procedures to investigate the full complement of chromosomes and/or a targeted region within a specific chromosome in metaphase or interphase. Tools include routine analysis of G-banded chromosomes, specialized stains that address specific chromosomal structures, and molecular probes, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosome microarray analysis, which employ a variety of methods to highlight a region as small as a single, specific genetic sequence under investigation. The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual, Fourth Edition offers a comprehensive description of the diagnostic tests offered by the clinical laboratory and explains the science behind them. One of the most valuable assets is its rich compilation of laboratory-tested protocols currently being used in leading laboratories, along with practical advice for nearly every area of interest to cytogeneticists. In addition to covering essential topics that have been the backbone of cytogenetics for over 60 years, such as the basic components of a cell, use of a microscope, human tissue processing for cytogenetic analysis (prenatal, constitutional, and neoplastic), laboratory safety, and the mechanisms behind chromosome rearrangement and aneuploidy, this edition introduces new and expanded chapters by experts in the field. Some of these new topics include a unique collection of chromosome heteromorphisms; clinical examples of genomic imprinting; an example-driven overview of chromosomal microarray; mathematics specifically geared for the cytogeneticist; usage of ISCN’s cytogenetic language to describe chromosome changes; tips for laboratory management; examples of laboratory information systems; a collection of internet and library resources; and a special chapter on animal chromosomes for the research and zoo cytogeneticist. The range of topics is thus broad yet comprehensive, offering the student a resource that teaches the procedures performed in the cytogenetics laboratory environment, and the laboratory professional with a peer-reviewed reference that explores the basis of each of these procedures. This makes it a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and lab professionals, as well as students in a university or medical school setting.

In the summer of 1989, one of us (SLG), along with his mentor, Dorothy Warb- ton, attended the Tenth International Workshop on Human Gene Mapping. The me- ing was held at Yale University in celebration of the first such event, which also took place there. This meeting was not open to the general public; one had to have contributed to mapping a gene to be permitted to attend. The posters, of course, were therefore all related to gene mapping, and many were covered with pretty, colorful pictures of a novel, fluorescent application of an old technology, in situ hybridization. Walking through the room, Dorothy remarked that, because of this new FISH technique, ch- mosomes, which had become yesterday’s news, were once again “back in style. ” Approximately three years later, a commercial genetics company launched a FISH assay for prenatal ploidy detection. A substantial number of cytogeneticists across the country reacted with a combination of outrage and panic. Many were concerned that physicians would be quick to adopt this newfangled upstart test and put us all on the unemployment line. They did not at the time realize what Dorothy instinctively already knew—that FISH would not spell the doom of the cytogenetics laboratory, but it would, rather, take it to new heights.