Significance of chromosome 5 and 17 changes in the development of carcinoma of the cervix uteri

Two chromosomes that undergo nonrandom changes in carcinoma of the cervix and have been studied for several decades in this laboratory are discussed. The first, chromosome 5, is discussed in view of the frequent appearance of an isochromosome for 5p, often in two or more copies and commonly associated with fewer that the expected number of normal copies of this chromosome. The second is chromosome 17, where a translocation involving another chromosome may result in a 17p+, and the significant change appears to be a loss from 17p that may include the p53 gene (TP53) and/or other tumor-suppressor genes located on this chromosome arm. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.