High prevalence of p16 genetic alterations in head and neck tumours
1999
High prevalence of p16 genetic alterations in head and neck tumours
Sample size: 47
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Miracca E C, Kowalski L P, Nagai M A
Primary Institution: Disciplina de Oncologia, Departamento de Radiologia, FMUSP
Hypothesis
Inactivation of the p16 gene contributes to the tumorigenic process of head and neck tumours.
Conclusion
Genetic alterations, particularly hypermethylation and loss of heterozygosity, are common in primary head and neck tumours.
Supporting Evidence
- p16 mutations were identified in six cases (13%) of the studied tumours.
- 53% of tumours showed loss of heterozygosity for at least one microsatellite marker.
- Hypermethylation was observed in 47% of the head and neck tumours analysed.
Takeaway
This study found that many head and neck cancer patients have changes in a gene called p16, which can help the cancer grow.
Methodology
DNA samples from paired tumour and adjacent normal tissue were analyzed for p16 genetic alterations using various techniques including PCR and Southern blot analysis.
Participant Demographics
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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