Abstract

Multiple karyotypic abnormalities and chromosomal instability are characteristic features of many cancers that are relatively resistant to chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the clinic. These same features represent potentially targetable “states” that are essentially tumor specific. The assessment of the chromosomal state of a cancer cell population may provide a guide for the selection or development of drugs active against aggressive and intractable cancers.

Keywords: Aneuploidy, Chromosomal instability, Cancer, Anticancer drugs, NCI-60, Karyotic abnormalities, CIN, Chromosomal instability phenotype, Heterogeneity, Cancer progression, Chemotherpeutic agents, Anticancer therapy, Drosophila, Trisomies, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Neoplasia, Tumorigenesis, Microsatellite instability, CENP-E heterozygous, Chromatid cohesion, Centrosomes, Kinetochore, Chromosome missegregating, JAK-STAT signaling pathways, ECM-receptor interaction pathways, Griseofulvin, Cancer spectrum, GI50 data vectors, Anthracyclines, Antifolates, Alkylators, Topoisomerase agents, Gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, Mercapto-3H quinazolines