9p21 deletions in primary melanoma

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary melanoma biopsies were evaluated for evidence of genomic loss on the short arm of chromosome 9 using microsatellite PCR assays for the D9S157, D9S161 and D9S171 loci. Paired normal and tumor DNA was extracted from the same block for comparison of microsatellite marker patterns. Some detectable abnormality was seen in at least one of these loci in 15 of 44 evaluable specimens (34%). Homozygous deletions were detectable at these loci in 8 of 44 informative specimens (18%) and hemizygous deletions were seen in 11 of 44 informative specimens (25%). Deletions at 9p were more likely to be found as primary tumor thickness increased (p < 0.05). This evidence supports the concept that 9p21 deletions are involved in primary sporadic melanomas, and that 9p deletions are not solely an in vitro phenomenon.