Defective DNA mismatch repair in long-term (≥ 3 years) survivors with pancreatic cancer

https://doi.org/10.1159/000085275Get rights and content

Abstract

Background/Aims: Defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in pancreatic cancer, reported in up to 13% of sporadic pancreatic cancers, may predict a good prognosis. To determine if long-term survival in pancreatic cancer could be attributed to defective DNA MMR, we ascertained its prevalence in 35 pancreatic cancer patients who survived ≥ 3 years after surgery. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MMR proteins hMLH1, hMSH2, and hMSH6 in all 35 tumors and microsatellite instability (MSI) studies in 34/35 tumors using 10 microsatellite markers in paired normal and tumor DNA. Defective DNA MMR was defined as absence of protein expression on IHC and/or MSI in ≥30% of markers studied. Results: On IHC, 3/35 (8.6%) tumors had defective DNA MMR. All 3 had absent expression of a DNA MMR protein (hMLH1 in 2 and hMSH2) and 2/3 also had MSI; the third could not be tested. Definitely 2, and probably all 3 patients had hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer as determined by clinical and genetic profiles. Conclusion: Defective DNA MMR is uncommon in long-term survivors of pancreatic cancer and does not account for the survival benefit in those with sporadic pancreatic cancer.

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    Suresh T. Chari, MD 200 First St SW, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905 (USA), Tel. +1 507 266 4347, Fax +1 507 284 5486

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