[Rare heterochromosomal anomaly: male XX syndrome in association with adenocarcinoma of the breast. Preliminary considerations]

A case of a male patient with an XX chromosome picture is presented. This anomaly is extremely rare and accompanied, as in the reported case, by morphological and structural alterations of the testicles: tubular fibrosis and germinal aplasia; disturbances of hormone secretion: FSH, LH, testosterone and 17-ketosteroid values were nearer those normally found in females; sex chromatin. The case was rendered more interesting by the simultaneous presence of adenocarcinoma of the breast, which is 100 times less common in males. Statistical evidence is cited for the proposition that this neoplasia has an underlying genetic and endocrine component.

Genetic mechanisms in cancer predisposition: report of a cancer family

A family is described in which four children developed cancer affecting different organs:lymphoma, meningeal sarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, and adenocarcinoma of the cecum. Since there was only one other case of cancer in previous generations of this family, an hypothesis is put forth to explain this unusual aggregation on the basis of recombination of common genes. It is postulated that each parent carried a different combination of genes which, though not associated with increased cancer predisposition in the combinations in which they were present in the parents, due to independent assortment resulted in a combination producing cancer susceptibility in half of the offspring. Such genetic loci could include factors similar to an oncogene which is normally held in control by genes at another locus; thus the dominant oncogene without the dominant controlling genes would make for cancer susceptibility, while the controlling genes without the oncogene would be associated with cancer resistance since two mutations would then be required for malignant development. To explain the occurrence of lymphoma in one of the children in this family, a third set of genes is included in this model--genes affecting immunocompetence, in which the normal allele is dominant. This three locus model has the advantage of being able to explain not only the occasional cancer family, but also the distribution of cancer susceptibility and resistance in the general population.

A human breast adenocarcinoma with chromosome and isoenzyme markers similar to those of the HeLa line

Pleural effusion was obtained from a 51-year-old black woman who had breast adenocarcinoma and had received chemotherapy and radiation therapy after a radical mastectomy. Cytogenetic and isoenzymic analyses of the cells were performed within a few hours of obtaining the sample. Similar analyses were also done with a cell line established from this effusion. The stemline chromosome number was 35, one of the lowest in human neoplasms. In addition to a marker chromosome involving 1q, which is common in human breast tumors, we found several other marker chromosomes whose G-banding patterns were similar to some of the typical HeLa markers. Genetic signature analysis of 15 isoenzyme loci revealed that 13 were identical to those of HeLa. Both HeLa and the cell line described here express glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase type a, yet they were derived from heterozygotic individuals (ab). Our data indicate the necessity to extensive cytogenetic and biochemical analysis before conclusions are made that cell lines are actually intercell-line contaminants.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome associated with gastrointestinal carcinoma. Report of two cases in a family

Patients with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome carry a slight, though definite, increased risk of gastrointestinal carcinoma. The malignant potentiality of Peutz-Jeghers hamartomatous polyps, generally considered benign, is supported by this report. Two cases of metastasising gastrointestinal carcinoma associated with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are described in a 56 year old female and her 29 year old son. Both mother and son died from duodenal and gastric carcinomas respectively, which developed in hamartomatous polyps with extensive metastases. Both cases also showed dysplastic areas within hamartomatous polyps. These features indicate that hamartomatous polyps may, in some cases, be the precursors of digestive tract carcinomas.

Double minutes in human carcinoma cell lines, with special reference to breast tumors

Small DNA-containing particles called double minutes (dm) were observed in metaphases during a survey of human tumor cell lines. Detection of dm in uncultured malignant effusions, in a series of 14 breast carcinoma cell lines, and in a cervical carcinoma cell line, and a literature survey indicated that dm may be more common among human malignant cells than previously suspected. Some of the human breast carcinoma cell lines showed a high incidence of dm, which permitted a series of cytochemical studies. The dm stained identically with euchromatic regions of human chromosomes. Unlike typical chromsomes, dm contained neither C-bands nor Cd bands indicative of paracentromeric heterochromatin and centromeres, respectively. The dm were observed to cluster at the ends of chromosomes, and individual dm adhered to chromosomes. This clustering behavior allows dm to pass through cell division in the absence of centromeric regions. These results should alert tumor cytogeneticists to the possibility that their material may contain a low incidence of undetected dm.

Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomes in chronic myelogenous leukemia and cancer families

Spontaneous sister chromatid exchanges and banded karyotypes were studied in blood lymphocytes from 96 individuals: seven patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia, 15 normal controls, and five "cancer families" comprising 12 cancer patients, 40 tumor-free blood relatives and 22 spouses. The families had: malignant melanoma; Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies and a birth defect syndrome; non-Hodgkin lymphoma and diverse carcinomas; Hodgkin's lymphoma and adenocarcinomas; and acute myelogenous leukemia. In addition to the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients, karyotypic abnormalities, especially breaks and fragments, were found in 29% of cancer family members, but were inconsistent and usually attributable to radiotherapy. Mean sister chromatid exchange values were normal in chronic myelogenous leukemia, but low (by t-test) in tumor patients and their blood relatives in cancer-prone families. In tumor patients, mean sister chromatid exchange levels fell as age increased. After adjusting for this age effect, no significant differences remained among groups. In patients at high risk of cancer (because they have chronic myelogenous leukemia or a strong family history of cancer), spontaneous sister chromatid exchange rates were not a marker of cancer risk.

[Juvenile polyposis. A report on two cases (author's transl)]

The discovery of multiple polypi in a small child does not necessarily indicate that this is a case of familial adenomatosis. Two cases of juvenile polyposis were confirmed by histological examinations, and their clinical and, more particularly, their radiological characteristics were studied. The only way to explore the full extent of the lesions in a satisfactory manner is by double-contrast examination of the whole colon. The authors stress the value of radiological examinations, though the frequency with which they should be carried out is open to discussion. Review of the published literature reveals that the association of true familial polyposis or adenocarcinomatosis exists in the same family or even in the same patient. Diagnostic difficulties are usually due to the fortuitons co-existence of a lymphoid hyperplasia, the significance of which is still not known.

[Genetic control of spontaneous resistance to murine adenocarcinoma (ADK-lt)]

The genetic control of spontaneous resistance by virgin mice towards a mammary adenocarcinoma of BALB/c mice origin was studied in F1 hybrid mice produced by crossing BALB/c females with males of different haplotype from BALB, A, or B10 strain. The findings obtained show that the intensity of natural resistance in vivo is not under an unigenic control but is the result of multiple interactions among genes located both inside or outside the major histocompatibility complex.

[Familial bilateral renal-cell carcinoma and cerebellar haemangioma (author's transl)]

In three brothers of a family with a high incidence of cancer a bilateral renal-cell carcinoma was demonstrated. In the index case there was also a cerebellar haemangioblastoma. At necropsy primary bilateral renal-cell carcinoma was demonstrated while intrarenal metastases were excluded. The cases are considered to be predominantly renal manifestations of the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome with facultative oculocerebellar involvement. Urological and cytogenetic study of other family members provided no evidence of further manifestations of the syndrome. Clinical supervision of members of such families is indicated.

Characterization of an ovarian carcinoma cell line

A long-term ovarian carcinoma cell line is described in terms of its morphology, original histopathology, electron microscopic features and chromosome features before and after transplantation into an athymic nude mouse. The microscopic features of the tumor nodule grown in the nude mouse are compared with the original pathology. Epithelial characteristics of the cells were maintained in culture and after retrieval from the nude mouse. Three markers were identified in all karyotypes and trisomy was noted in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 16, and X and monosomy of 17 and 21.

Banding analysis of three primary cancers

Chromosomes of a breast cancer and two colonic cancers were studied with banding methods. An intracystic papillary carcinoma of breast had the following constitution: 46, XX, -1, +3, -20, +i(1q), +i(1q), +t(1;20)(p13;p13). The second tumor, a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon had several autosomal trisomies and del(3)(p14). There was karyotype stability in both tumors. The third tumor, an undifferentiated colonic cancer, had a pseudodiploid stemline, namely 46, XX, -1, +(1q), and four sidelines with additional numerical changes.

Tumor and lymphoid cell lines from a patient with carcinoma of the colon for a cytotoxicity model

Three tumor cell lines (COLO 201, COLO 205, and COLO 206) have been established from ascites fluid obtained from a male patient with adenocarcinoma of the colon. In addition to the tumor lines, two lymphoid lines (COLO 197 and COLO 200) have been established from the same patient, with one line from the original biopsy and one from peripheral blood. Characterization of the tumor cell lines revealed four cell types that differ from most colon cell lines reported by others. Chromosome markers were identical in COLO 201 and COLO 205. A long-arm isochromosome 5 observed in COLO 201 and COLO 205 was absent in COLO 206. Statistical analysis of autosomal polysomy revealed that these cell lines were stable and indicated that there may be a cytogenetic basis for the three predominant types of cell morphology. The lymphoid cell line derived from the peripheral blood had a normal male karyotype. The lymphoid cell line derived from a biopsy specimen had a mode of 46 and a deleted chromosome 7 marker. Both lymphoid cell lines had B-cell characteristics. These autochthonous cell lines have been used for immunological studies in cytotoxicity assays and immunoglobulin characterization.

[Comparative study of the karyotype and histostructure of neoplasms of the uterine body, stomach and malignant melanoma]

Direct analysis of karyotype revealed a heterogeneity of chromosome composition, variations in modal lines and chromosome aberrations, diversity of marker chromosome morphology. The variability of cytogenetic alterations was found in tumors both of the same and of different origin. These results established the nature of genome and chromosome alterations in the investigated tumors. The problem is discussed of a possible use of cytogenetic analysis for a more concrete characterization of human tumors in terms of their biological features.

A family with a high incidence of cancer

Five generations of a family have been studied. A high number have been found to have had cancer. Although the cancers have been mainly colon and rectum they have not been confined to the large bowel. Nineteen members of the family are under the age of 20. The management of these members is discussed.

Ultrastructural study of the normal mucosa-adenoma-cancer sequence in the development of familial polyposis coli

Ultrastructural changes that occurred in the colon epithelia of patients with familial polyposis coli were investigated. Criteria of gradation of the crescendo changes from the mucosa in the controls, through the "normal" mucosa between polyps and adenomas in various stages of dedifferentiation, to invasive carcinoma were established. Our criteria were based on the following requirements: a) vesiculation and increasing numbers of small electron-dense bodies (secretory granules) and lysosomes in the mature and immature absorptive cells, b) presence of immature and undifferiated cells, c) variation in the globlet cells and appearance of atypical secretory cells, and d) nuclear changes. The results illustrated the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and added strong evidence to support its occurrence. Furthermore, this ultrastructural study revealed cellular changes that preceded adenomatous growth and may be of value as markers of early stages of cancer. However, this study also revealed a close link between the function and morphology of the mucosal epithelium.

An epithelial cell line with chronic polyoma infection established from a spontaneous mouse pancreatic adenocarcinoma

The establishment of an epithelial cell line from a mouse pancreatic adenocarcinoma is described. The cell line, designated LTPA, was aneuploid and exhibited many transformed growth properties (rapid growth rate, failure to show density-dependent inhibition of growth, ability to grow in defined medium). A type C oncornavirus was isolated from the culture medium, and electron microscopy also revealed the presence of intracisternal type A particles. LTPA cells carried a persistent polyoma infection which produced only low levels of cytopathic effects. A mycoplasmal contamination was also carried. When injected s.c. into Swiss nu/nu mice, LTPA cells formed ductular structures which were destroyed by inflammatory reactions within 3 weeks.

Multiple primary cancers and prolonged survival: familial colonic and endometrial cancers

We describe features of multiple cancers in a small kindred wherein a cluster of tumors affecting various anatomic sites has been observed among eight directline relatives. Three of these individuals have had two or more primary malignancies, and one woman showed a remarkable tolerance to invasive cancer, having had four histologically verified neoplasms (cancers of the ovary, endometrium, and colon, and myelogenous leukemia). The constellation of tumors occurring at an early age among relatives of the kindred supports a genetic etiology.

Polyposis coli. The clinical spectrum in adults

Four patients are reported, to illustrate the wide spectrum of colonic polyps which may occur in multiple form in adults. Included are unusual cases of metaplastic and juvenile polyposis. The subject is reviewed, and the need for accurate histological diagnosis is stressed. The possibility that the difference between familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner's syndrome may lie merely in the degree of expressivity of the associated extracolonic features is discussed. Surveillance of these patients for peri-ampullary neoplasms in the duodenum is considered. The interrelationship between familial adenomatous polyposis, juvenile polyposis and colorectal cancer is discussed.

Isolation of a human prostate carcinoma cell line (DU 145)

A long-term tissue culture cell line has been derived from a human prostate adenocarcinoma metastatic to the brain. The cell line, DU 145, has been passaged 90 times in vitro over a period of 2 years. The cells are epithelial, grow in isolated islands on plastic Petri dishes, and form colonies in soft agar suspension culture. Karyotypic analysis demonstrates an aneuploid human karyotype with a modal chromosome number of 64. Distinctive marker chromosomes (a translocation Y chromosome, metacentric minute chromosomes and three large acrocentic chromosomes) have been identified. Electron microscopy of the original tumor tissue and of the tissue culture cell line show a remarkable similarity in cell organelle structure.

Familial cancer and cancer families

From this brief review is should be evident that the hereditary varieties of common cancers are characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. The specific types of hereditary cancers can be identified by focusing on the histologic types and sites of involvement, not only of the primary neoplasm, but also of associated neoplasms and associated conditions or stigmata, as well as by focusing on the age of the patient at the time of diagnosis, tumor localization and frequency, and the mode of inheritance. Identification of specific types of hereditary cancers has important utility as a means of isolating homogeneous groups of patients and unaffected relatives for studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

[Phenotypic expression of colon polymorphic antigens (WZ) in human colon adenocarcinomas]

Human colon adenocarcinomas from 52 patients were investigated for the presence of the colon polymorphic antigens WZ. The patients were typed for their WZ phenotype, using the immunofluorescence method on non tumoral colon mucosa sections: 27 patients were found W+ Z+, 18 W- Z+, and 7 W- Z-. The tumors were tested for the presence of the WZ phenotypes, using the immunofluorescence method and a radio-immunoassay. The WZ phenotypes were not expressed in the non secreting tumors, whatever the patient's phenotype. They were expressed in the secreting tumors and had the same phenotype as found in the corresponding normal mucosa. The WZ phenotypes were present in human developed into "nude" Mice inoculated either with differentiated colon carcinomas, or with a human colon carcinoma cell line (HT-29).

Management of malignancy in "cancer families"

A further "cancer family" is described. Cancer patients from such a family require careful lifelong follow-up. All members of cancer families should be screened for cancer of the uterus and colon, and they should be educated in methods of cancer detection and the importance of early diagnosis.

Karyotype analysis of a frog pronephric tumor cell line

Pronephric tumor cell lines, established from explants of a herpes virus induced frog renal adenocarcinoma, were shown to have a aneuploid modal chromosome number of 39. A karyotypic analysis of one line demonstrated the presence of abnormal chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations not previously reported for Lucké tumor cells. The cell line was characterized by two marker chromosomes of high incidence, but there was no evidence of a stemline population of tumor cells.

[Hereditary adenocarcinomatosis in 4 generations of a Valais family]

An account is given of a family from the Canton of Valais, suffering from hereditary adenocarcinomatosis. The pedigree extends over four generations; the first three comprise 47 individuals (28 males, 19 females), of whom 21 (16 males and 5 females), i.e. 44.6%, are affected with malignant tumours. Of the 32 people in the fourth generation, only one individual is affected to date (a girl aged 21, IV/14). There were 27 tumours in all: 16 adenocarcinomas of the colon, two gastric adenocarcinomas, one duodenal adenocarcinoma, one rectal adenocarcinoma, one papillary carcinoma of the ovary, one osseous sarcoma, one cutaneous fibrosarcoma, a multiform glioblastoma of the basal nuclei of the brain, a basocellular epithelioma, also a cerebral metastasis from an adenocarcinoma, the origin of which has not been established, and a tumour invading the biliary tract. Three members of the family suffered from multiple tumours. In three of the patients, the colonic adenocarcinoma was accompanied by one or two polyps. The average age at the onset for all the tumours was 45 years. It was definitely lower in the third than the second generation (anticipation). The transmission was autosomal dominant, with predilection for the male sex (57.1% male and 26.3% female patients). The penetrance was about 80%. The author finally discusses the diagnostic criteria for hereditary adenocarcinoma and reviews the different familial forms of cancer.

The reversible behavior of locally invasive endometrial carcinoma in a chromosomally mosaic (45,X/46,Xr(X)) young woman treated with Clomid

A 22 year-old phenotypic female with a 45,x/46,x, r(x) mosaic complement had anovulatory cycles, histologically normal ovaries, and atypical endometrial hyperplasia which, when clinically followed by repeated biopsies, was found to progress to locally invasive endometrial carcinoma. This was successfully managed by the induction of ovulation with Clomid, which resulted in conversion of the endometrium to a normal secretory pattern for two subsequent years.

The identification of individuals at high risk for large bowel cancer: an overview

Attempts to identify individuals with increased susceptibility to colon cancer before clinical manifestations of disease, have recently been made. Early stages of abnormal growth of colonic epithelial cells, and related factors that may contribute to the development of colonic neoplasia have been shown. Based on the identification of early findings, programs to prevent the evolution of malignancy in individuals at increased risk are under consideration at the present time.

Heterotransplantation of a human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line in nude mice

Nude mice of NIH/Swiss background were utilized for the heterotransplantation of a tissue culture cell line derived from a human prostate adenocarcinoma metastatic to the brain. These cells, which had been grown in vitro for 13 passages, formed solid tumors when injected s.c. into nude mice. The cell line DU 145 has been passaged 60 times in vitro over a period of 18 months. Tumors removed from the mice were serially transplanted to additional mice and reestablished in vitro. Light-microscopic analysis of the tumor grown in nude mice revealed a strong similarity to the patient's metastatic tumor. The ultrastructure of the tumor cells propagated in nude mice was compared to that of the original human tumor cells and to the tissue culture cells, both before and after passage in nude mouse. No major differences were detected. Karyotypic analysis of the tumor cells grown in vitro before mouse passage, grown in nude mouse, and grown in vitro after mouse passage indicated chromosomal identity and consistent marker chromosomes: three large acrocentric chromosomes and metacentric minute chromosomes.

Phenotypic markers in human skin fibroblasts as possible diagnostic indices of hereditary adenomatosis of the colon and rectum

Hereditary adenomatosis of the colon and rectum (ACR) and its Gardner's syndrome variant, an autosomal dominant trait, indicate a propensity for neoplasia. The present study describes the growth abnormalities of cultured human skin fibroblasts derived from normal-appearing cutaneous biopsies of ACR genotypes and a portion of the clinically asymptomatic ACR progeny, first filial generation, and their differential susceptibility to transformation by Kirsten murine sarcoma virus. These skin fibroblasts, but not cells derived from unaffected individuals, showed lack of contact inhibition, decreased serum requirement for growth, elevated levels of plasminogen activator, and alterations in the intracellular distribution of actin cables; they did not, however, grow in the absence of anchorage, nor did they form palpable tumors in congenitally athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice, and they were normal with regard to cholesterol feedback regulation. Skin fibroblasts from ACR subjects were 100- to 1000-fold more susceptible to transformation by the Kirsten murine sarcoma virus than were normal cells. The virally transformed skin fibroblasts were anchorage-independent and formed tumors in athymic mice. These growth abnormalities represent steps in the changing phenotypic expression of cells undergoing neoplastic transformation. Identification of abnormal expressions associated with oncogenesis may facilitate their use as diagnostic indices for the detection of latent forms of colon cancer in man.

Hereditary proximal colonic cancer

Ten families prone to cancer of the colon (in the absence of familial polyposis coli) have been investigated. A significantly greater frequency of carcinomas of the proximal colon was evident relative to non-familial colonic cancers (65% versus less than 35%, P less than .001). Moreover, family members with proximal colonic cancers experienced significantly enhanced survival, compared with family members with distal colonic or rectal cancers. Findings consistent with a genetic predisposition included early mean age at onset (45 years) and a high frequency (40%) of multiple primary cancers in the patients studied. The results are in accord with reported findings in 11 similar kindreds from the literature, and strongly suggest the existence of a heritable variety of colonic cancer in which the proximal colon is at particularly high risk. Extraordinary early diagnostic measures, including colonoscopy, are indicated for members of such families.

Production of hybrid cells by fusion of human malignant tumour cells and primary mouse embryo cells

Hybrid cells with a subtetraploid mouse chromosome complement were produced by fusion of three types of human tumour cells with primary mouse embryo cells. The most frequently present presumptive human chromosome was 21. Numerous chromosome rearrangements were present. Some hybrid cells produced regressing tumours in mice.

Role of heredity in multiple primary cancer

The occurrence of multiple primary malignant neoplasms characterizes virtually all varieties of hereditary cancer. This report focuses on this phenomenon in 11 families with the Cancer Family Syndrome (heritable adenocarcinomas of the colon and endometrium) and a single extended kindred with site-specific colon cancer. Of the 316 relatives with cancer in the 12 families, 68 (21.5%) had two or more primary malignancies and 59 (86.8%) of these multiple primaries involved the colon and/or endometrium. A pooled analysis of this resource revealed a consistent 3% risk for a second primary cancer in each year of survival following first onset. If a second primary occurs, the risk for a third is extremely high (6.9% per year), but shows a nonlinear trend with increasing survival following second onset. The high risk for development of extraprimary malignancies in patients from these kindreds indicates that careful consideration should be given to total removal of their principal target organs following the initial manifestation of cancer.

[Comparative cytogenetic study of 7 types of mammary cancer]

Cytogenetic analysis of 58 cells originating in 7 mammary carcinomas indicated the existence of characteristic numerical and structural modifications, concerning the long arm of chromosome 1, chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 14, 15 and X, and the short arm of chromosome 16. Establishing the alterations of chromosomal "markers" could not only depend on selective phenomena relating to modifications of the genome but also on the preferential reassociations of heterochromatic segments.

Cytogenetic studies of human endometrial carcinomas by means of tissue culture

The cytogenetic studies of human endometrial carcinomas were performed using a tissue culture technique. Seventeen cases or 40.5 per cent out of 42 trials for culture could be analyzed. The mode of chromosome number was found at the diploid range in all cases, and the exact counting of the modal range revealed that the peak of the number was 46 in 75 per cent of the analyzed cases. The distributions were even both in the hypo- and hyperdiploid areas. The karyotype analyses showed that the majority of the endometrial carcinomas presented pseudo-diploid chromosomes, revealing irregular numerical alterations of each group constitution and scattered variant chromosomes with minor structural changes. Only four cases were noted to have an unclassified chromosome with marked structural aberrations. A marker chromosome was identified in only one case, whereas no common specific chromosome was noted and the histologic findings did not correlate with chromosome aberration. From our tissue culture study, carcinomas of human corpus uteri consist mainly of the cells with a pseudodiploid chromosomal constitution. It is suggested that a culture method would be a desirable procedure for the cytogenetic study.

[Familial cancer syndrome studies in 4 generations of a family]

An account is given of a family from the Canton of Valais suffering from hereditary adenocarcinomatosis. The pedigree extends over four generations; the first three comprised 47 individuals (28 males, 19 females), of whom 21 (16 males and 5 females), i.e. 44.6%, have malignant tumors. Of the 32 people in the fourth generation, only one individual is affected to date (a girl age 21, IV/4). There were 27 tumors in all: 16 adenocarcinomas of the colon, two gastric adenocarcinomas, one duodenal adenocarcinoma, one rectal adenocarcinoma, one papillary carcinoma of the ovary, one osseous sarcoma, one cutaneous fibrosarcoma, a multiform glioblastoma of the basal nuclei of the brain, a basocellular epithelioma, a cerebral metastasis from an adenocarcinoma, the origine of which has not been established, and a tumor invading the biliary tract. Three members of the family had multiple tumors. In three of the patient the colonic adenocarcinoma was accompanied by one or two polyps. The average age at onset for all tumors was 45 years. It was definitely lower in the third than the second generation (anticipation). The transmission was autosomal dominant, with predilection for the male sex (57.1% male and 26.3% female patients). The penetrance was about 80%. Finally, the diagnostic criteria for hereditary adenocarcinoma are discussed and the different familial forms of cancer are reviewed.

Properties of a cell line from human adenocarcinoma of the rectum

A new, highly differentiated line of cells derived from adenocarcinoma of the rectum (HT55) is described. This line is noteworthy for the following features: 1. The role played in its development by the use of UV-inactivated Sendai virus to attach tumour cell clumps to plastic bottles. 2. Evidence that it produces RNA-containing material of density 1-5--1-16 g/ml. 3. Induction of bone formation in the stroma when grown in athymic mice. 4. Stimulation of primary CBA mouse embryo fibroblasts to form a transient nodule when mixed with them and injected into adult CBA mice. The karyotype and growth-cycle characteristics of the line are described.

Development and characterization of established cell lines from primary and metastatic regions of human endometrial adenocarcinoma

Cell lines designated SNG-P and SNG-M were established from operation specimens of primary and metastatic regions of human endometrial adenocarcinoma. The cell lines grew well without interruption for over 13 months and were subcultivated more than 65 times. They continue to exhibit stable growth. The cultured cells appeared epithelial in shape, showing a pavement arrangement and multilayering without contact inhibition. The cytology revealed anaplastic and pleomorphic features. Upon electron microscopic observation, most of the cultured cells were characterized by highly indented nuclei with multiple large nucleoli and by desmosomal cell contact. The chromosomal number varied widely and showed aneuploidy, but the modal chromosomal number was stable at the diploid range. No marker chromosome could be identified. Both of these cell lines, SNG-P and SNG-M, were transplanted to an immune-depressed hamster cheek pouch and produced a tumor resembling the original.

[Familial polyposis of the colon. Analysis of 17 cases]

Seventeen cases of familiar polyposis of the colon seen in the National Institute of Nutrition are reviewed. In 12 of the cases (70%) there were family histories of colonic polyposis. Ten patients (50%) developed carcinoma and of these 7 were located in the rectosigmoide. Ten patients underwent total colectomy with abdominoperineal resection. Seven already had carcinoma at operation; 5 localized and with survival rates of more than 5 years without evidence of recurrence; the other 2 had distant metastasis at operation. Four patients underwent colectomy with ileoproctoanastomosis. In 2 of these cases subsequent abdominoperineal resection was necessary; another died of recurrent carcinoma and the fourth is alive and asymptomatic. Familiar colonic polyposis is an hereditary disease of the autosomic dominant type with a tendency to develope malignant changes at an early age. The treatment of choice is colectomy; however, controversy exists as to whether or not the rectum should be conserved. Based on our results, and those of other authors, we feel that the treatment of choice is total colectomy with abdominoperineal resection, because of the high probability of malignant recurrence.

Genetics and cancer of the gastrointestinal system. Annual oration in honor of Herbert M. Stauffer, M.D., 1914-1970

Familial aggregations of tumors may occur in virtually all organ systems. The gastrointestinal tract is a frequent site for the development of cancers having an hereditary basis. Their recognition has important relevance to cancer control and prevention. In addition, detailed clinical and laboratory studies of inherited tumors may throw light upon the cause of the more common forms of gastrointestinal neoplasms. Radiologists must have a working knowledge of the genetic and diagnostic elements of each in order to fulfill their responsibilities to the patient, the patient's family and the referring physician.