Vulva Cancer molecular biology and genetics

There are only a few reports describing the genetic changes associated with vulval 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

In one study of vulval cancer 11 out of 12 samples had alterations in the thymosin beta 10 gene (TMBs10), whose protein product inhibits protein polymerisation. 2

Another study of vulval squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and lichen sclerosus and vulva intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) found mutations in the TP53 tumour suppressor gene, and TP53 overexpression in more than 70% of SCC and about a quarter of pre-cancerous lesions. 3

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

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References for vulva 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. Kunjoonju, J.P., et al., Identification of individual genes altered in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Genes Chromosomes Cancer, 2005. 44(2): p. 185-93
  3. Rolfe, K.J., et al., TP53 mutations in vulval lichen sclerosus adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Br J Cancer, 2003. 89(12): p. 2249-53