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Kevin J. Ashton, PhD; Stephen R. Weinstein, MD; David J. Maguire, PhD; Lyn R. Griffiths, PhD

Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:876-882.

Objective  To identify chromosomal copy numbers of frequent genetic aberrations within squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and solar keratoses (SKs), and provide further evidence to support or challenge current dogma concerning the relationship between these lesions.

Design  Retrospective analysis of genetic aberrations in DNA from SK and SCC biopsy specimens by comparative genomic hybridization.

Setting  University-based research laboratory in Queensland, Australia.

Patients  Twenty-two biopsy specimens from patients with diagnosed SKs (n = 7), cutaneous SCCs (n = 10), or adjoining lesions (n = 5).

Main Outcome Measure  Identification of frequent genetic aberrations both specific to SK and SCC and shared by these lesions to investigate their clonal relationship.

Results  Shared genomic imbalances were identified in SK and SCC. Frequent gains were located at chromosome arms 3q, 17q, 4p, 14q, Xq, 5p, 9q, 8q, 17p, and 20q, whereas shared regional losses were observed at 9p, 3p, 13q, 17p, 11p, 8q, and 18p. Significant loss of 18q was observed only in SCC lesions.

Conclusions  Our results demonstrate that numerous chromosomal aberrations are shared by the 2 lesions, suggesting a clonal relationship between SK and SCC. Additionally, the genomic loss of 18q may be a significant event in SK progression to SCC. Finally, the type and frequency of aberrations suggests a common mode of tumorigenesis in SCC-derived tumors.

From the Genomics Research Centre, Griffith University–Gold Coast (Drs Ashton and Griffiths), the Department of Pathology, Gold Coast Hospital (Dr Weinstein), and the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, Griffith University–Nathan (Dr Maguire), Queensland, Australia. The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.

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