Frequency of p53 mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas from atomic bomb survivors

Iwamoto KS, Mizuno T, Tokuoka S, Mabuchi K, Seyama T
J Natl Cancer Inst 90(15):1167-8, 1998

Summary

The mechanistic role of ionizing radiation in the dose-dependent, increased frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the atomic-bomb (A-bomb) survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki following a relatively long latency period is not known. To shed some light on the molecular events that may, in part, help to explain the heightened risk of A-bomb-induced HCC, we have analyzed the p53 gene in the HCC tissues of 120 survivors exposed to various doses ranging from 0 mSv to 1569 mSv (liver dose). There was a statistically (logistic regression method) significant dose response in the percent of HCC cases harboring a p53 point mutation. Our data provide evidence that one of the undoubtedly numerous cellular targets (direct or indirect) of the A-bomb radiation responsible for the increased incidence of HCC in the survivors is the p53 gene.