[Studies on genes associated with biologic behavior in human lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To study alteration of several genes in the process of primary lung cancer.

METHODS

A series of 59 lung cancer specimens were analyzed for p53, myc oncogene family and mdrl gene by DNA/PCR sequencing, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR methods.

RESULTS

p53 mutation or/and protein accumulation were found in 37 of 57(65%) cases. Overexpression of myc family oncogenes and mdr1 gene were 27/46 (59%) and 15/48 (31%), respectively. The results also showed that there was no significant correlation between p53 alteration and tumor size, metastasis, stage and relapse, but there was a significant correlation between overexpression of myc family oncogene and these factors. Overexpression of mdrl gene was detected in NSCLC, especially in adenocarcinoma, and was not associated with metastasis and stage of lung cancer. It was also found that aberration of both p53 and myc family oncogenes occurred in 19/30(63%) cases; the relapse rate was 76%. Both overexpression of mdrl and myc gene was 62%; the relapse rate was 83%.

CONCLUSION

p53, myc and mdrl genes in cooperation may be involved in the process of lung cancer, but prognostic determinant is myc gene overexpression.