p53 mutations in nonmelanoma skin cancer of the head and neck: molecular evidence for field cancerization.
Multiple and distinct p53 mutations were detected by DNA sequence analysis in tumor and adjacent nonmalignant skin samples from eight patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer of the head and neck, providing unambiguous evidence for field cancerization. The mutations consisted of C-->T transitions at dipyrimidine sequences (30% of all single base substitutions), T-->C transitions (47%), and G-->T transversions (12%), suggesting that other carcinogens may act along with UV radiation in the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Patient interviews revealed that, in addition to substantial exposure to solar UV radiation, most had a history of smoking and were exposed to carcinogens from industrial or agricultural sources. These data show that extensive molecular epidemiological investigations are necessary to elucidate risk factors associated with the disease in localities where patients often report substantial exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Kanjilal
S
S
Department of Immunology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Strom
S S
SS
Clayman
G L
GL
Weber
R S
RS
el-Naggar
A K
AK
Kapur
V
V
Cummings
K K
KK
Hill
L A
LA
Spitz
M R
MR
Kripke
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D002273:Carcinogens; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016158:Genes, p53; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009153:Mutagens; D017354:Point Mutation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D002273:Carcinogens; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D009153:Mutagens