P53 mutation linked to advanced CRC in African-Americans
Researchers have identified a possible genetic cause for an increased risk for a more advanced form of colorectal cancer in blacks that leads to shorter survival, according to data published in Clinical Cancer Research (15:2406-2416, 2009).
Researchers have identified a possible genetic cause for an increased risk for a more advanced form of colorectal cancer in blacks that leads to shorter survival, according to data published in Clinical Cancer Research (15:2406-2416, 2009).
Upender Manne, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Alabama in Birmingham analyzed 137 colorectal adenocarcinomas from African-American patients and 236 colorectal adenocarcinomas from non-Hispanic whites. Researchers assessed these carcinomas for p53 mutations and genotyped for codon 72 polymorphisms.
Overall, whites and African-Americans had a similar rate of p53 mutations. However, the frequency of the Pro72 allele was higher in blacks (17%) compared with 7% among whites. By contrast, the Arg72 allele frequency was higher in whites (36%) than in African-Americans (19%).
Presence of the Pro72 allele in blacks was associated with a more than two-fold increase in mortality due to colorectal cancer (See “Minority groups protest CMS rejection of VC screening,” page 35).
Highlighting Insights From the Marginal Zone Lymphoma Workshop
Clinicians outline the significance of the MZL Workshop, where a gathering of international experts in the field discussed updates in the disease state.
