Cytogenetic abnormalities in solid tumours of childhood

Cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in a number of solid tumours of childhood. In many paediatric sarcomas and lymphomas, the demonstration of specific translocations has led to the identification of fusion genes of diagnostic, prognostic and potential therapeutic importance. These characteristic translocations are frequently accompanied by secondary karyotypic changes that may contribute to neoplastic progression. In paediatric solid tumours where no primary cytogenetic abnormality has been identified, numerous recurring aberrations are observed that often correlate with prognosis. In this review, karyotypic abnormalities detected by both conventional and recent molecular cytogenetic approaches in the most common solid tumours of childhood — neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's tumour and certain lymphomas — are described. Characterization of these aberrations will not only increase our understanding of tumourigenesis, but will also provide unique diagnostic and prognostic markers for the clinic.