To explore the molecular abnormalities in human prostate carcinoma, the genomic DNAs extracted from 3 prostate cell lines--LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145--were examined using restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) methodology, a 2-dimensional gel analysis which allows evaluation of approximately 2,000 Not I landmarks. We detected 24, 18 and 23 amplified spots in LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145, respectively. Eleven spots were commonly intensified in all 3 cell lines, with a range of amplification of 2.1 to 134.1-fold over normal. An additional 4 spots were detected in both LNCaP and Pc-3 at similar amplification intensities, but were not observed in DNA from DU-145. Ten amplified spots were located on several chromosomes, while other five spots seemed to result from the hypomethylation. These results suggest that common genetic abnormalities may occur in carcinomas of the human prostate.