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Thymidylate synthase gene polymorphism as a prognostic factor for colon cancer
Kwang Wook Suh1, Joo Hyung Kim, Young Bae Kim
1Departments of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 442-749, Korea. suhkw@ajou.ac.kr
Summary
The thymidylate synthase (TS) gene promoter polymorphism is a significant predictor of colon cancer outcomes. This genetic variation impacts patient survival rates, particularly in stage III disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- The human thymidylate synthase (TS) gene promoter exhibits polymorphism, characterized by double or triple tandem repeats of a 28-base-pair sequence.
- This genetic variation may influence the clinical course of colon cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase (TS) gene promoter polymorphism in patients with stage II or III colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 121 patients with stage II/III colon cancer post-curative resection.
- DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded tissues and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the TS gene promoter region.
- Comparison of patient survival rates based on TS polymorphism patterns (double vs. triple repeat variants).
Main Results:
- Sixty-eight patients were triple-repeat homozygotes (group A), and 53 were double-repeat homozygotes or heterozygotes (group B).
- A significant difference in survival was observed between group A (53%) and group B (80%) (P=0.0481).
- The difference was more pronounced in stage III patients (41% vs. 77%, P=0.0414), with TS polymorphism identified as an independent prognostic factor alongside tumor stage.
Conclusions:
- Thymidylate synthase (TS) gene promoter polymorphism is a significant and independent prognostic factor for colon cancer.
- This genetic marker can aid in predicting clinical outcomes for patients with stage II and III colon cancer.