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Microsatellite instability and somatic mutations in endometrial carcinomas
T Sakamoto1, T Murase, H Urushibata
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
Gynecologic Oncology
|October 24, 1998
Summary
Microsatellite instability (MI), a marker in some cancers, was found in 15% of endometrial cancers. This genetic instability did not correlate with K-ras mutations or 18q loss of heterozygosity (LOH).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microsatellite instability (MI) is observed in various human cancers.
- Endometrial cancer is a significant gynecological malignancy with complex molecular underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of microsatellite instability (MI) in endometrial cancers.
- To investigate the correlation between the replication error (RER)-positive phenotype and genetic alterations in endometrial cancer.
Main Methods:
- Examined 72 primary endometrial cancer samples for microsatellite instability.
- Assessed for microsatellite instability using microsatellite loci.
- Investigated associations with K-ras protooncogene mutations, p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations, and 18q loss of heterozygosity (LOH).
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 72 (15%) endometrial tumors exhibited a replication error (RER)-positive phenotype.
- Microsatellite instability (MI) was not associated with K-ras point mutations.
- Microsatellite instability (MI) was not associated with 18q loss of heterozygosity (LOH).
- Data were insufficient to establish a correlation between MI and p53 mutations.
Conclusions:
- Generalized microsatellite instability (MI) may represent a molecular characteristic of endometrial cancers.
- Endometrial cancer development likely involves multiple, complementary mutation pathways.
- The findings suggest distinct molecular subtypes within endometrial cancers.