p53 Mutations in Carcinoma of the Esophagus and Gastroesophageal Junction

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggested p53 mutations as a prognostic factor. Tumors of the esophagus and gastroesophageal (GE) junction show raising incidence with a general poor prognosis. Methods: p53 mutational spectra in 103 patients (68 squamous cell carcinoma/SCC and 35 adenocarcinoma/AC) were compared to clinical and pathologic data. Results and Conclusions: p53 mutations were found in 26 of 68 SSC (38.2%) and in 12 of 35 AC (34.5%). We only found G > T transversions in smokers with SCC. The survival of patients was not affected by p53 mutational status. In our study, the frequency and mutational spectrum of mutant p53 is similar in both histological types without prognostic relevance.

Keywords:

• Esophageal cancer
• p53 gene
• Tobacco
• Alcohol