An improved cytogenetic technique for human solid tumors grown in adhesive-tumor-cell culture system.

An improved technique for cytogenetic analysis of primary human solid tumors has been developed using an adhesive-tumor-cell culture system. While the previously described in situ harvesting procedure yielded highly condensed chromosome morphology and inadequate metaphase spread, the newly described harvesting procedures have yielded superior quality metaphase morphology and banding patterns. Cytogenetic analysis was successfully carried out on ten primary lung tumors and eight nonmalignant "normal" lung tissues. This procedure is now routinely used in this laboratory for other solid tumor cytogenetic analysis.