Aarhus, Denmark (UroToday.com) Dr. Robert Stoehr of the University Hospital Erlangen presented data from nine, TERT-altered, whole-organ mapped bladder specimens that were analyzed for TERT promoter mutations. Microdissection of the organ was performed with DNA isolation of the mutational hotspot region within the TERT core promoter region (-260 to +60). 8 of 9 specimens were evaluable, and in half of these TERT promoter mutations were identified within histologically normal urothelium. Additionally, TERT promoter mutations were found in 50% of specimens were precursor lesions were identified. Dr. Stoehr noted that these data provided support to the idea that TERT promoter mutations may be an early step in bladder cancer carcinogenesis, particularly within normal urothelium as classified by histology.
Abstract take-home message:
- TERT promoter mutations may be an early step in low-grade bladder cancer carcinogenesis
Presented by: Robert Stoehr, Ph.D., Professor, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Institute of Pathology, The University Hospital Erlangen