Loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 7q in human breast cancer: association with clinical variables.

In this study 238 human primary breast cancers were analysed with 9 polymorphic microsatellite markers specific to region 7q21-q35 on chromosome 7. LOH was observed at one or more marker in 82 cases or (34%). The deletions were evenly distributed throughout the region. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether LOH was observed in their tumours or not, and tested for association with overall survival, the clinicopathological features: steroid receptor content, tumour size, node status, DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction, and LOH at other chromosomal regions. An association was found between 7q LOH and high S-phase fraction. An association was found between LOH at 7q and LOH at 1p, 3p, 9p, 13q and 17q. These results suggest the location of a putative tumour suppressor gene at chromosome 7q21-q35 that, in combination with other deletions, might enhance tumour growth.