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Genomic imbalances detected by comparative genomic hybridization are prognostic markers in invasive ductal breast carcinomas Aims: The aim of this work is the study of the prognostic significance of the chromosomal aberrations described in a series of invasive ductal breast carcinomas. Methods and results: We analysed by comparative genomic hybridization a group of 70 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded invasive ductal breast carcinomas. Aberrations showed a frequency similar to previous studies using frozen tumours. Interestingly, we identified gains involving 6q16-q24 more frequently than in other series. We analysed the association among the chromosomal imbalances, 11 histopathological factors, relapse rate and overall survival of patients. Associations showed 16q losses as a potential marker of good prognosis, as they were more frequent in node-negative (P =0.025) and in oestrogen-positive tumours (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 100% of bcl-2+ tumours presented this aberration compared with 29.3% in bcl-2– (P =0.014). 1q, 11q, 17q and 20q gains were associated with poor prognosis: 95% of cases with 1q gains were bigger than 20 mm (P =0.041). Tumours with 1q and 11q gains showed a higher relapse rate (P =0.063; P =0.066). Within the good prognosis group of lymph node-negative patients, 17q and 20q gains identify a subgroup with increased relapse rate (P =0.039). Conclusions: Chromosomal imbalances, together with histopathological factors, may help to predict outcome in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]