Microsatellite and chromosome instability in squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma

Head-and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents almost 5% of all malignancies in Europe. The aetiology of HNSCC is complex, with both genetic and mutagenic factors involved. The aim of the present study was to investigate the loss of heterozygosity (LOH), mainly at tumour suppressor loci (using markers D1S2883, D2S123, D3S1611, D5S346, D7S501, D8S254, TP53, NM23), microsatellite instability (BAT25, 26, 40) and (bleomycin test) in patients with squamous cell larynx cancer. In a group of 20 patients LOH was observed mainly at the loci 3p (64.7%), 8q (71.4%), 17q (M1-30.8%, M2-25%, M3-38.5%). Despite chromosomal instability detected by bleomycin no microsatellite instability was observed.