Two chromosomally different cell populations in a human neoplasm

Abstract

A biopsy specimen of a liver metastasis of a rapidly progressing renal adenocarcinoma was chromosomally investigated. Of the metaphases studied 40% represented the karyotype of the tumor, the chromosome number being in the triploid region. A characteristic set of chromosome markers was constantly present in these metaphases. The main part of the metaphases studied, however, had a normal diploid karyotype. These cells assumedly represent normal host cells stimulated to mitotic activity by the presence of the neoplasm. The host cells seem to be intimately associated with the neoplastic tissue. The dividing host cells most probably represent immunologically activated cells.

Two abnormal clones in the bone marrow cells of a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

“…Moreover, there are several case reports documenting transformation of P N H into acute leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia and erythroleukemia (Jenkins & Hartmann 1969, Carmel et al 1970, Tso & Chan 1973. Two different chromosomal clones were reported in acute leukemia (Morse et al 1978) and renal adenocarcinoma (Gripenberg et al 1977). Thus, our finding of two different abnormal clones further correlates PNH to neoplastic diseases.…”