Laboratory Medicine Online  2012;2(4):223-225

doi:10.3343/lmo.2012.2.4.223

Chromosomal Instability in the Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of an Ovarian Cancer Patient Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Se Jin OH 1 ; Hye Sung MOON ; Jungwon HUH

Affiliations

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Keywords

Chromosome; Chemotherapy; Ovarian cancer; Peripheral blood; Instability

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Chemotherapy agents can induce chromosomal instability, including a variety of chromatid or chromosomal aberrations. However, only limited data is available on the effect of chemotherapy on the kinetics of chromosomal instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Here, we report the case of an ovarian cancer patient who showed chromosomal instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes while undergoing chemotherapy. Karyotypic analysis of peripheral blood 1 day after administration of cisplatin and etoposide showed chromosomal or chromatid aberrations, including gaps, breaks, and fragmentation. Chromosome study after completion of the first chemotherapy cycle showed normal karyotype. This finding suggests that chemotherapeutic agents can induce transient chromosomal instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes.