[Molecular, genetic and immunohistochemical investigation of carcinosarcoma of the female reproductive tract].

: Tissue precursors and genesis of female reproductive tract carcinoma vis-a-vis its carcinomatous and sarcomatous patterns remain unknown. To determine the clonal origin of 17 female reproductive tract carcinomas, such molecular, genetic and immunohistochemical techniques as PCR-SSCP and/or denaturing gel electrophoresis for K-ras, p53 and PTEN genes; D17S786, CHRNB1, TP53, BAT26 and BAT40 microsatellites and immunostaining for p53 protein were used. Carcinomatous and sarcomatous components were studied separately. Eight tumors were assumed to be monoclonal (combination or conversion tumors), while one--of an obscure origin. Our results suggest that carcinosarcomas were characterized by chromosomal instability. Moreover, it was shown that it is necessary to combine immunohistochemical techniques with a battery of methods including genetic ones to determine clonal origin of immunologically--stained carcinosarcomas.