10.5-KB HOMOZYGOTE OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-BETA GENE IS ASSOCIATED WITH A BETTER PROGNOSIS IN GASTRIC-CANCER PATIENTS

Background. In NcoI restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta) gene, the frequency of 10.5-k b homozygote is low in patients with lung cancer and is associated wit h a better prognosis. These results should be examined in other malign ancies. Methods. Using polymerase chain reaction, the authors performe d NcoI restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 152 patien ts with gastric cancer, in 69 patients with benign gastric lesion, and in 141 healthy volunteers. Results. In 3-year survival, the 10.5-kb h omozygote showed a better prognosis (87.1%) than other alleles (5.5-kb homozygote, 52.5%; heterozygote, 79.1%), and there was a statisticall y significant difference between the 10.5-kb homozygote and the 5.5-kb homozygote. In 3-year survival for Stages III and IV, the 10.5-kb hom ozygote also showed a better prognosis (64.9%) than other alleles (5.5 -kb homozygote, 16.7%; heterozygote, 41.4%). There were statistically significant differences (10.5-kb homozygote vs. 5.5-kb homozygote, P < 0.01; heterozygote vs. 5.5-kb homozygote, P < 0.05). There was a stat istical difference between all patients and Stages III and IV (P < 0.0 5). Conclusions. The 10.5-kb homozygote of TNF-beta gene is associated with a prolonged survival in patients with gastric cancer, as has bee n shown in the patients with lung cancer.