Chromosome 16q24 deletion and decreased E-cadherin expression: Possible association with metastatic potential in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND: Deletion of chromosome 16q is a frequent aberration in prostatic carcinoma, indicating the existence of candidate tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. METHODS: Chromosome 16 numerical aberration and loss of 16q were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 31 primary and 22 metastatic tumors from 53 patients. The results were compared with E-cadherin expression, tumor grade and stage, and DNA ploidy. RESULTS: Numerical chromosome 16 aberrations, 16q deletion, and loss of E-cadherin expression were found in 29%, 35%, and 29% of the primary tumors, respectively, and in 73%, 73%, and 73% of the metastases, respectively. High tumor grade and DNA aneuploidy were also found to have significant correlation with metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Deletion of chromosome 16q24 and/or loss of the E-cadherin function appears in a high frequency in metastases of prostate cancer. The strong correlations suggest that they may be important risk factors, contributing to the metastatic potential of the tumor.