Low frequency of somatic mutations in the FH/multiple cutaneous leiomyomatosis gene in sporadic leiomyosarcomas and uterine leiomyomas
2002

Low frequency of mutations in the FH gene in certain tumors

Sample size: 155 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Barker K T, Bevan S, Wang R, Lu Y-J, Flanagan A M, Bridge J A, Fisher C, Finlayson C J, Shipley J, Houlston R S

Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Research

Hypothesis

Do mutations in the fumarate hydratase gene play a role in sporadic leiomyosarcomas and uterine leiomyomas?

Conclusion

Mutations in the fumarate hydratase gene do not play a major role in the development of sporadic leiomyosarcomas or uterine leiomyomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • None of the 26 leiomyosarcomas harbored somatic mutations in fumarate hydratase.
  • Fifty percent of leiomyosarcomas tested showed evidence of allelic imbalance at 1q.
  • Only 5% of the leiomyomas showed allele imbalance at 1q42-q43.

Takeaway

The study looked at tumors to see if a specific gene was causing them, but found that it wasn't really involved.

Methodology

The study analyzed 129 uterine leiomyomas and 26 leiomyosarcomas for somatic mutations and allelic imbalance at chromosome 1q42.3-q43.

Limitations

Some mutations may have been missed or cannot be detected by a PCR-based approach.

Participant Demographics

21 unselected patients aged 37 to 50 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600502

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