[DNA ploidy pattern and p53 overexpression in gastric cancer]

DNA ploidy pattern was determined by flow cytometry and p53 overexpression was investigated immunohistochemically in 145 primary gastric cancers. Aneuploid patterns were found in 78 (65%) and diploid patterns in 67 (46%). Metastasising to lymph nodes was observed more frequently in cases with aneuploid tumors, as compared to those with diploid tumors (p < 0.01). DNA ploidy patterns were related to overexpression of p53. The incidences of overexpression of p53 in aneuploid tumors and diploid ones were 65% and 33%, respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, we suggest that gastric carcinomas with the aneuploid pattern have mutation of tumor suppressor gene p53 and high potential to metastasize to lymph nodes.