LACK OF MICROSATELLITE INSTABILITY IN HUMAN PROSTATE-CANCER

DNA replication errors are especially frequent in repetitive DNA seque nces, including microsatellites. Thus, microsatellites are sensitive i ndicators of the genetic instability observed in many types of human c ancers, particularly colorectal cancer. We tested prostate carcinomas for the presence of microsatellite alleles not present in normal tissu e from the same individuals. Analysis of 7 microsatellites in each of 30 patients revealed instability at only one microsatellite in one tum or. This level of microsatellite instability, considerably lower than that reported previously, may reflect differences in patient pools. We discuss the implications of the genetic stability of prostate cancers relative to other cancers.