Comparative p53 mutational spectra in aerodigestive tract tumors in Hong Kong Chinese patients.

The p53 mutations in colorectal, esophageal and lung carcinomas from Hong Kong were studied previously. The availability of mutation data for these cancers in one geographical region prompted investigations into special features of these p53 alterations. Mutations in codons 175, 176, 248 and 273 accounted for 35% of all mutations detected. A hot spot at codon 176 observed in esophageal carcinomas was not detected in any of the other aerodigestive tract tumors studied and appeared to be uniquely restricted to Chinese esophageal cancers. Other unique mutation sites, and a notably higher frequency of insertions and deletions in each of these cancers, were also detected in Chinese patients as compared to Caucasians.