The Loss of Heterozygosity of FHIT Gene in Sporadic Breast Cancer

The loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a genetic event that can change gene function.  FHIT  is a potential tumor suppressor gene.  Although the precise FHIT molecular mechanism of action is not well understood, evidences suggest that Fhit protein reduced levels are involved in mammary carcinogenesis.  The aim of this study was to investigate if  FHIT  LOH could influence on sporadic breast cancer (BC) biological behavior, through its association with prognostic factors for sporadic BC. Tumor tissue and peripheral blood samples were analyzed using the microsatellite marker D3S1300. The findings were associated with clinicopathological parameters including overall survival. LOH was detected in 31.1%(52/167) of the informative BC’ cases. Considering clinical and pathological characteristics we have found no significant association with  FHIT  LOH status. The mean follow-up time was 80 months. After the Cox regression analysis two parameters remained associated with BC’s risk of death: TNM stage III and IV - HR = 3.74(95% CI, 1.16-12.1) P=0.027 and disease relapse HR = 3.14(CI 95% 1.26-7.80) P =0.014.  This study shows that  FHIT  LOH by itself is not a prognostic factor for sporadic BC.  Further researches are required to elucidate the functional role of  FHIT  LOH concerning to BC.