Researchers find Y chromosome loss marks tissue near cancers
Researchers at the University of Arizona used fluorescence in situ hybridisation to count X and Y chromosomes in more than 4.3 million cell nuclei from 1,000 tissue samples taken from 405 men across 11 organs. They observed mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) not only inside tumours but also in normal-appearing tissue next to cancers, with amounts rising from normal to adjacent to malignant tissue. The effect was strongest around colorectal cancers and noted near rectum, oesophagus, pancreas and lung tumours. Authors say the change could mark pre-neoplastic fields and might help detect hidden cancer risk, though causation is unproven.
Y chromosome loss increases from normal to cancerous tissue.
Context
A published study tested tissue from 405 men using FISH. It found Y chromosome loss increased from normal tissue to tumour tissue. Researchers may next test whether measuring Y loss helps find small or hidden cancers.
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