K-ras gene mutations in liver carcinomas from a Mediterranean area of Spain

The prevalence of human liver cancer shows a broad spectrum of variation in distinct geographical regions, depending on different risk factors, and th eir pathogenesis is poorly understood. We study the significance of molecul ar alterations of K-ras gene inhuman liver carcinomas in a low-incidence re gion such as a Mediterranean area of Spain (Valencia and Gerona). Our resul ts reveal a low incidence of K-ras codon 12 mutations in hepatocellular car cinomas (HCC) and a higher incidence in cholangiocarcinomas (CCC). Similar results have been obtained in high-risk areas. We conclude that K-ras gene mutations are not a major event in the malignant transformation of hepatic cells in this region of the Mediterranean but that molecular implications o f hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinomas appear to be different.