Flow karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization

textabstractCytogenetic analysis of tumors has become increasingly important in relation to diagnois, biological behavior and prognosis. Today's cytogenetic knowledge of malignant cells is based on a solid foundation obtained in a research field that has developed extremely rapidly in the last four decades. In some types of tumors there is a clear correlation between the rearrangement in DNA, as visualized by chromosomal changes, and the onset of the amlignancy. Flow karyotyping offers the possibility to analyze signals that are indicative for the DNA content of chrosomes. The combination of flow cytometry, sorting and in situ hybridization yields a good detection level.