Loss of heterozygosity at 18q21 is indicative of recurrence and therefore poor prognosis in a subset of colorectal cancers
1999

Loss of heterozygosity at 18q21 and colorectal cancer prognosis

Sample size: 195 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jernvall P, Mäkinen M J, Karttunen T J, Mäkelä J, Vihko P

Primary Institution: University of Oulu

Hypothesis

Is loss of heterozygosity at 18q21 indicative of recurrence and poor prognosis in colorectal cancers?

Conclusion

Loss of heterozygosity at 18q21 is associated with a higher rate of recurrence and poorer survival in colorectal cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Loss of heterozygosity at 18q21 was significantly associated with the development of recurrence.
  • 82% of recurrences occurred in patients with Dukes' classes B and C.

Takeaway

If a patient has a specific change in their cancer genes, they might have a higher chance of their cancer coming back, which means doctors can help them better.

Methodology

The study analyzed primary colorectal cancer specimens for loss of heterozygosity using PCR and fragment analysis.

Participant Demographics

Patients with primary colorectal cancer, specifically those in Dukes' classes B and C.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Statistical Significance

p=0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6690144

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