mtDNA mutations in invasive cervix tumors: a retrospective analysis

We tested whether mtDNA mutations are associated with poor outcome in patients with invasive cervix cancer. Tumor samples were banked more than 10 years ago from women with diagnoses of invasive cervix cancer. Automated techniques were used to determine the sequence of the mtDNA-encoded Complex I subunits. Approximately one-third of all tumors had multiple mtDNA sequence alterations. Both univariate and multivariate analysis of the 10 years survival probability showed that the 10 years survival of patients whose tumors had eight or more nucleotide substitutions was significantly worse (P<0.0063 and P<0.012, respectively). The log-rank test also found a significant difference in overall survival (P<0.003). These results suggest that multiple mtDNA mutations are an independent marker of poor prognosis, and that prospective clinical trials that incorporate analysis of mitochondrial genetic alterations in cervix cancer are warranted.