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Normal G₂ Chromosomal Radiosensitivity and Cell Survival in the Cancer Family Syndrome¹

Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory,³ Upton, New York 11973 [M. A B., M. H. T., R. C. L.], and Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794 [M. V. V., J. F.]

Recent reports have suggested that elevated chromosomal aberration yields following X-irradiation of skin fibroblasts in the G₂ phase of the cell cycle are characteristic of affected members of cancer-prone families. These studies propose that this phenomenon is a consequence of impaired DNA repair and might be a useful predictor of genetic susceptibility to cancer. We have tested G₂ chromosomal X-ray sensitivity in skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood lymphocytes from members of a kindred with the cancer family syndrome, a disorder in which susceptibility to colon cancer and other epithelial cancers is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Further, using a cell survival assay, we tested cancer family syndrome skin fibroblasts for sensitivity to four classes of mutagens, including X-rays. In the assays used, skin fibroblasts and lymphocytes from both affected and unaffected family members exhibited responses indistinguishable from normal controls. Karyotypic analysis of lymphocytes and fibroblasts revealed no consistent constitutional cytogenetic abnormality. Thus, affected patients with the cancer family syndrome do not have increased sensitivity to irradiation and chemical mutagens and lack a germ-line chromosomal defect.

¹ Supported in part by NIH Grant CA 39408 to M. V. Viola.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

³ Operated by Associated Universities, Inc., for the United States Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-76CH000160.

Received 9/24/87. Revised 12/22/87. Accepted 2/ 5/88.

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