Loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 2p, 3p, 18q21.3 and 11p15.5 as a poor prognostic factor in stage II and III (FIGO) cervical cancer treated by radiotherapy
Abstract:
Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been shown to be an important prognostic factor in a variety of malignant neoplasm’s. Cervical cancer develops as result of multiple genetic alterations. The aim of this study was to analyze presence of LOH in cervical cancer and to identify the correlation between LOH and survival and relapse-free survival time in patients treated with radiotherapy. Studies were performed on tumor specimens and venous blood from 20 patients with cervical cancer (squamous cell carcinoma G2 and G3) in stage II and III (FIGO) treated with radiotherapy. DNA was isolated using organic extraction. Additional microcolumn purification was performed. The fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify 10 microsatellite loci included in commercially available human identification kits. Microsatellite marker BAT 26 was amplified in separate PCR reactions. 75% cervical cancers manifested LOH. LOH in BAT 26 analysis (chromosome 2) was present in all these specimens. 60% of the cases showed LOH at one or more of other examined loci (mostly on 3p, 18q21.3, and 11p15.5). Eight of nine cervical cancers in clinical stage III showed LOH. All cases of G3 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix manifested LOH on 2p. Patients with LOH have worse prognosis for survival and relapse-free survival compared to patients without LOH.