Detection of allele loss on chromosome 16q in DNA isolated from fine needle aspiration specimens of breast tumors. A simulation study using surgically resected specimens.

OBJECTIVE To clarify whether analysis of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 16q is possible using DNA isolated from fine needle aspiration specimens, a simulation study was performed using resected biopsy or mastectomy specimens of 37 breast carcinomas and 3 fibroadenomas. STUDY DESIGN A highly polymorphic (AC)n repeat region on the D16S305 locus on chromosome 16q24 was amplified in the DNA samples by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 32P-labeled oligonucleotide primers, and the PCR products were electrophoresed in denaturing gel for detection of LOH by autoradiography. RESULTS PCR was successful in 34 cases, and LOH was detected in 10 (71%) of 14 carcinomas but not in the 3 fibroadenomas. These results were almost always compatible with the data obtained by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis on chromosome 16q using Southern blotting. CONCLUSION Examination of LOH on 16q by (AC)n polymorphism analysis using fine needle aspiration specimens is suggested as a supportive tool for preoperative diagnosis of breast tumors.