The allelic loss of chromosome 3p25 with c‐myc gain is related to the development of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma

To explore the role of allelic losses at 3p25 and genetic alterations of chromosome 8, we investigated the relationships between genetic alterations in these chromosomal regions and clinicopathologic findings (such as tumor size and grade), by employing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Fifty Japanese clear‐cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) were examined by dual‐color FISH using cosmid DNA probes for 3p25.1–25.3 combined with probes for chromosome 3 centromere, 8p12, 8p21.1, 8p21.3, 8p22 and 8q24.12–24.13 (c‐myc), and chromosome 8 centromere. Deletion at 3p25.1–25.3 was detected in 38 patients (76%), while 8p12 deletion, 8p21.1 deletion, 8p21.3 deletion, 8p22 deletion and c‐myc gain were detected in 23 (46%), 25 (50%), 25 (50%), 25 (50%), and 20 patients (40%), respectively. There was a significant correlation between 8p21.1 deletion, 8p21.3 deletion and 8p21.1 deletion with c‐myc gain and tumor grade (p = 0.04, 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Deletions at 8p21.1 and 8p21.3 with 3p deletion were significantly related to tumor grade; the statistical significance was identical to that of sole 8p deletion with tumor grade. The deletion at 3p25.1–25.3 with c‐myc gain showed a significant correlation with tumor size, indicating an association with tumor progression. Our results suggest that the allelic loss of chromosome 3p25 with c‐myc gain is related to the development of clear‐cell RCC.