Cytogenetic molecular methods

Although chromosome abnormalities are still commonly visualized by examining metaphase chromosomes under a microscope, several powerful new techniques combine cytogenetics with modern molecular methods. Two of the most important are described here. 

In conclusion, the modern approach in the diagnosis of tumors is a multistep process, which includes conventional histology, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and molecular methods. The early detection of micrometastases and circulating tumor cells before metastatic disease becomes clinically evident gives a better chance for the eradication of residual tumor cells to prevent tumor relapse in addition to its prognostic importance. 

Klinger, K. (1995) Cytogenetic analysis, m Nonisotopic Methods in Molecular Biology A Practical Approach (Levy, E. R. and Herrington, C S, eds ), Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, pp. 25—50... 

Lichter, P., Bentz, M., and Joos, S. (1995) Detection of chromosomal aberrations by means of molecular cytogenetics painting of chromosomes and chromosomal sub-regions and comparative genomic hybridization. Methods Enzymol. 254, 334-359. 

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