Genetic alterations involved in the development of gallbladder carcinomas from Greek patients

Background/Aims: The genetic pathways of gallbladder cancer are not yet wel l defined since the contribution of genetic abnormalities clarified in othe r organs remains questionable. Methodology: We investigated a group of 22 gallbladder carcinomas from Gree k patients with regard to p53 mutations, bax and TGF-beta RII alterations - as indicators of microsatellite instability. The findings were correlated t o the presence of ras mutations, patients' clinicopathologic features and s urvival. PCR-SSCP analysis was performed for the detection of p53 mutations in conserved domains IV and V. Results: In five tumors p53 mutations were detected; none of them was ras m utated. Although these tumors were characterized by flat morphology, low hi stologic grade and rather advanced stage, no statistical correlation could be determined. No indications of microsatellite instability were found. Conclusions: Ras and p53 genes do not appear to cooperate during gallbladde r cancer, at least as far as the flat type of cancer is concerned. p53 alte rations are likely to take part in the de novo pathway of gallbladder carci nogenesis.