UV-radiation-specific p53 mutation frequency in normal skin as a predictor of risk of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: A strong association has been found between skin cancer and exposure to UV radiation. The p53 tumor suppressor gene (also known as TP53), which is frequently mutated in human cancers, is believed to be an early target in UV radiation-associated skin carcinogenesis. We have previously developed a sensitive, polymerase chain reaction-based method capable of detecting and quantifying a UV radiation-specific mutation in the p53 gene (codons 247 and 248: AAC CGG → AAT TGG) in normal skin. We have used this method to examine whether UV radiation-specific mutation frequency is associated with risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and with sun exposure. Methods: This case-control study in A..