Cytogenetic analysis of thyroid tumors after cryopreservation

Current cytogenetic evaluation of solid tumors is performed on fresh tissue specimens requiring on-call tissue culture facilities. The application of cryopreservation to tumor samples prior to cytogenetic analysis allows collection of tumors to a desired sample size. We evaluated methods of cryopreservation for their effects on growth potential from 11 benign thyroids and one papillary thyroid cancer. Mitotic indices and thyroglobulin expression applying imunocytology were analyzed. Compared to fresh tumors, the revived tumor samples showed unaltered thyroglobulin expression. A statistically significant (p < 0.004) prolongation to develop mitotic activity occurred in samples received after the freezing of dispase digested tissues, but not in samples frozen as thinly cut pieces. In addition, the data show that cytogenetic analysis at the 400-band level can be achieved in cryopreserved thyroid tissues.