Chromosome instability in head and neck cancer patients

Genetic changes play a crucial role in the process of neoplastic transformation. Mutations may occur spontaneously, but most of them (60-90%) are induced by mutagens. The epidemiological data indicate that only a part of the population exposed to mutagens/carcinogens develops cancer. Studies of the mechanisms leading to individual sensitivity to mutagens as well as tests allowing to recognize individuals susceptible to cancer have been performed. The bleomycin test is widely used for this purpose. In this classical test introduced by Hsu et al, the mean number of breaks per cell is analysed. In our study we present first results of the bleomycin test in patients suffering from head and neck cancer. In these patients, an increased number of breaks/cell (1.22 +/- 0.5 vs 0.79 +/- 0.3 in the control group) and an increased number of damaged cells (47% vs 36%) were observed. The results were also analysed in regard to the clinical stage of the disease. The data suggest that the chromosome instability does not correlate with the progression of the disease.