The FHIT gene is altered in several types of tumors and abnormal expression
of Fhit protein have also been reported in some preneoplastic lesions. We
have determined the Fhit expression on histological samples of 26 patients
affected by preneoplastic lesions who developed a gastric cancer within 2 y
ears. The expression of the Fhit protein was always present in all preneopl
astic lesions, while the Fhit protein immunostaining was distributed uneven
ly in 10 cases and completely lost in 6. The complete loss of Fhit expressi
on only in areas of neoplastic low differentiation suggests that FHIT gene
takes part in late gastric carcinogenesis.