Low-frequency mutation of Ha-ras and Ki-ras oncogenes in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

UNLABELLED

BACKGROUND, PATIENTS AND METHODS: The objective was to study the frequency of mutations of Ha-ras and Ki-ras oncogenes in bladder tumours. Transitional cell tumours of the bladder from 55 patients were subjected to analyses of Ha-ras and Ki-ras oncogenes using a variety of techniques including sequencing to detect mutations.

RESULTS

Two tumours (4%) exhibited mutation of the Ki-ras oncogene, both tumours were fast growing and invasive. We did not detect Ha-ras mutation in any of the samples. Nineteen tumours (35%) with established invasion of the detrusor muscle, did not reveal any mutation.

CONCLUSION

Analyses of ras oncogenes seem to be of limited value for the biological assessment of transitional cell carcinomas.