K-ras and p53 mutations in colonic lavage fluid of patients with colorectal neoplasias.
BACKGROUND
The adenoma-carcinoma sequence has its molecular basis in several gene mutations of which K-ras and p53 are of paramount importance. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether these genetic alterations can be detected in colonic lavage fluid from patients with colorectal adenomas and carcinomas.


METHODS
In 45 patients with adenomas, 20 patients with colorectal carcinomas and 38 patients with non-neoplastic and noninflammatory diseases of the colon p53 and K-ras mutations were evaluated in colonic lavage fluid employing single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis and dot-blot hybridization, respectively.


RESULTS
Mutations of the K-ras and the p53 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic alterations in the colonic lavage fluid could be an additional diagnostic tool for the surveillance of patients with colorectal neoplasias.
Heinzlmann
M
M
Department of Gastroenterology, Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany.
Neynaber
S
S
Heldwein
W
W
Folwaczny
C
C
D000236:Adenoma / Q000235:genetics*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D017431:Genes, MCC / Q000235:genetics; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000235:genetics; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics*; D011905:Genes, ras / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation