If your print confirmation box was not opened automatically, please click here to print. Alternatively you can select your browser’s print menu.

Vaginal Cancer molecular biology and genetics

There are only a few reports describing the genetic changes associated with vaginal cancer.

Gene copy number is thought to be important, with gain of gene copies more commonly reported than loss of gene copies. One study analysed 51 samples from vulval and vaginal tumours and found genetic abnormalities in 37 of them. The most common changes were gains to chromosomes 3q, 5p, 8q, 9q, and 19q and losses from 11q. 1

Another study of 16 vaginal tumour samples reported gains at chromosome 3q in 75% of samples, and gains at 5p and 19p were also common. 2

Further studies will help to define the genes that are involved in vulval and vaginal carcinogenesis, and this will help with diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of vagina and vulva cancers.

Back to top ^

 

Browse related content

 

References for vaginal cancer molecular biology and genetics

  1. Micci, F., et al., Cytogenetic characterization of tumors of the vulva and vagina. Genes Chromosomes Cancer, 2003. 38(2): p. 137-48.
  2. Habermann, J.K., et al., A recurrent gain of chromosome arm 3q in primary squamous carcinoma of the vagina. Cancer Genet Cytogenet, 2004. 148(1): p. 7-13.