Chromosomal anomalies in atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and carcinoma of the prostate using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Objectives: The genetic alterations of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) of the prostate, a possible precursor of prostate adenocarcinoma, have not been previously investigated. Methods: We used fluorescence in situ hybridization with centromere-specific probes for chromosomes 7, 8, 10, 12, and Y to evaluate chromosomal anomalies in atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (23 foci) and adenocarcinoma (31 foci) in 19 whole-mount radical prostatectomy specimens. Results: Chromosomal anomalies were found in 2 foci (9%) of AAH and 17 foci (55%) of carcinoma. There was no relationship between the chromosomal anomalies in AAH and matched foci of carcinoma. Conclusions: These findings indicate that AAH is not obviously linked genetically to prostate cancer, although it occasionally contains chromosomal anomalies.