Chromosome 16q24 deletion and decreased E-cadherin expression: possible association with metastatic potential in...

Deletion of chromosome 16q is a frequent aberration in prostatic carcinoma, indicating the existence of candidate tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.

Chromosome 16 numerical aberration and loss of 16q were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 31 primary and 22 metastatic tumors from 53 patients. The results were compared with E-cadherin expression, tumor grade and stage, and DNA ploidy.

Numerical chromosome 16 aberrations, 16q deletion, and loss of E-cadherin expression were found in 29%, 35%, and 29% of the primary tumors, respectively, and in 73%, 73%, and 73% of the metastases, respectively. High tumor grade and DNA aneuploidy were also found to have significant correlation with metastases.

Deletion of chromosome 16q24 and/or loss of the E-cadherin function appears in a high frequency in metastases of prostate cancer. The strong correlations suggest that they may be important risk factors, contributing to the metastatic potential of the tumor.