K-ras and p53 mutations in colonic lavage fluid of patients with colorectal neoplasias

Background: The adenoma-carcinoma sequence has its molecular basis in sever al gene mutations of which K-ras and p53 are of paramount importance. The a ims of this study were to evaluate whether these genetic alterations can be detected in colonic lavage fluid from patients with colorectal adenomas an d carcinomas. Methods: In 45 patients with adenomas, 20 patients with color ectal carcinomas and 38 patients with non-neoplastic and noninflammatory di seases of the colon p53 and K-ras mutations were evaluated in colonic lavag e fluid employing single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis and dot- blot hybridization, respectively. Results: Mutations of the K-ras and the p 53 gene were found in 15.6% (p = 0.065) of patients with adenomas, in 25.0% (p = 0.016) of patients with carcinomas and in 2.6% in the control group. Conclusion: Genetic alterations in the colonic lavage fluid could be an add itional diagnostic tool for the surveillance of patients with colorectal ne oplasias. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.