[Frequent loss of heterozygosity on the long arm of chromosome 21 in human esophageal, squamous cell carcinoma].

We investigated human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using microsatellite markers on the long arm of chromosome 21 (21q) and found frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH). The frequency of LOH was more than 50% in most of the microsatellite markers examined. Whole chromosome deletion suspected cases were observed in 25% of all cases. No case with microsatellite instability was found. Three common regions of allelic loss were identified. The frequent LOH was observed from early stage in pTNM classification. An unknown tumor suppressor gene in the genesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma may exist in 21q.