C-MYC locus amplification as metastasis predictor in intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinomas: CGH study in Brazil.
BACKGROUND
The genetic events involved in gastric cancer, the third most frequent cancer in the world with a high incidence in Pard State, Brazil, remain largely unknown.


METHODS
Twenty-one primary gastric adenocarcinomas were investigated by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and the relationships between genomic abnormalities and histopathological features were evaluated.


RESULTS
Eighty-one percent of cases presented DNA copy-number changes. Chromosomal gains were the most frequent finding, losses occurring only in the diffuse type. The main copy-number gains were on chromosome 8, principally on 8q24.1 (8/21 cases), 8p21 (3/21) and 8p23.2-8p12 (2/21). Gain of region 8q24. 1, where C-MYC is located, was the main finding, exclusively in the intestinal type with metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
C-MYC locus amplification may be predictor of aggressiveness in intestinal-type gastric cancer, playing an important role in its development and progression. Moreover, other genes on 8q24 should be investigated. Gastric adenocarcinomas of differing histopathological features were associated with distinct genetic alterations, supporting the hypothesis that they evolve through distinct genetic pathways.
Burbano
Rommel Rodríguez
RR
Human Cytogenetics and Toxicological Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pard, Belém, PA, Brazil. rommel@ufpa.br
Assumpção
Paulo Pimentel
PP
Leal
Mariana Ferreira
MF
Calcagno
Danielle Queiroz
DQ
Guimarães
Adriana Costa
AC
Khayat
André Salim
AS
Takeno
Sylvia Satomi
SS
Chen
Elizabeth Suchi
ES
De Arruda Cardoso Smith
Marília
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005784:Gene Amplification; D018628:Gene Dosage; D016259:Genes, myc; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology