[DNA ploidy pattern and p53 overexpression in gastric cancer]

DNA ploidy pattern was determined by flow cytometry and p53 overexpression was investigated immunohistochemically in 145 primary gastric cancers. Aneuploid patterns were found in 78 (65%) and diploid patterns in 67 (46%). Metastasising to lymph nodes was observed more frequently in cases with aneuploid tumors, as compared to those with diploid tumors (p0.01). DNA ploidy patterns were related to overexpression of p53. The incidences of overexpression of p53 in aneuploid tumors and diploid ones were 65% and 33%, respectively (p0.05). Thus, we suggest that gastric carcinomas with the aneuploid pattern have mutation of tumor suppressor gene p53 and high potential to metastasize to lymph nodes.