Close correlation between a p53 or hMSH2 gene mutation in the tumor and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

We analyzed 42 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) (38 patients) for mutations in the DNA mismatch repair gene hMSH2 and the p53 tumor suppressor gene, a possible upregulater of hMSH2. Mutations of the hMSH2 or p53 gene were dete cted in 13 patients (34%). There were no patients who possessed mutations i n both genes. There was a significant correlation between mutation of eithe r gene and pathological indicators of malignancy. The survival rate of pati ents with hMSH2 or p53 gene mutation-positive tumors was much poorer than t hat with hMSH2 and p53 gene mutation-negative tumors (p=0.0012). Our result s suggest that mutations in the p53 or hMSH2 gene may closely correlate wit h the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.