Chromosomal aberration of cancers means either gains (gene amplifications) or losses (gene deletions) of a chromosome. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a new powerful technique for molecular cytogenetic analysis of chromosome gains and losses. In Thailand, Oral cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death. Early detection of oral cancer using molecular cytogenetic analysis will decrease the ablative treatment and mortality rate.

Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate the chromosomal aberrations in early stage of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCs) using CGH analysis.

Methods: In this study, nine OSCs (early stage) samples were collected. Test DNA extracted from fresh cancer tissues and reference DNA extracted from normal male lymphocytes were labeled with spectrum green-dUTP (VYSIS, Chicago, IL) and Texas red-dUTP (DuPont, Boston, MA) by nick translation, respectively and subsequently co-hybridized onto normal male metaphase chromosome spreads. The hybridization was accomplished at 37 C for 48 hours. The slides were washed and counterstained with DAPI. Target regions were determined according to the green-to-red profiles of fluorescent intensity and information obtained by visual inspection of the digital image analysis system (Vysis/Quip CGH software).

Results: This preliminary result showed gains at chromosome 3q (3/9), 5p (2/9), 6p (3/9), 7p (3/9), 8q (5/9), 11q (3/9), 13q (2/9), 15q (2/9), and 20q (2/9). Losses were detected at chromosome 4p (2/9), 5q (2/9), 8p (2/9) and 11q (2/9).

Conclusion: These results suggest that different chromosomal imbalances may play an important role in the development and/or progression of early stage of OSCs.

Acknowledgement: Supported by Development Grants for New Faculty/Researchers, Chulalongkorn University