[Homozygous deletion of CDKN2/p16 gene in lung cancers].

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between CDKN2/p16 gene homozygous deletion and lung cancer progression.

METHODS

Improved multiplex PCR technique was applied to detect deletion of CDKN2/p16 gene exon1 and exon2 in 89 cases of lung cancers.

RESULTS

Gene deletion rate was increased by the improved PCR technique. Exon 1 and exon 2 deletion rates were 19.1% (17/89) and 22.5% (20/89) respectively, with total rate of exon1 and/or exon2 deletion 25.8% (23/89). Deletion of CDKN2/p16 gene occurred in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and was related to metastasis and progressive stage.

CONCLUSION

Abnormality of CDKN2/p16 gene is a genetic factor for NSCLC susceptibility, and may play a role to some extent in NSCLC malignant progression.