The micronucleus test in urothelial cells of cervix cancer patients.

ABSTRACT

Cervix cancer continues to be a common malignancy in Indian women in the absence of routine cervix examination. Most cases come to light as referrals of advanced gynecologic complaints. It was proposed to look for micronuclei in bladder cells (as a non-invasive method) of such women subsequently diagnosed with cervix cancer. Urine samples of just diagnosed cancer patients (n=25; 21-80 yrs) and of controls (with other gynecological problems; n=25; 21-70 yrs) were processed for the micronucleus test using standard protocols. Significantly elevated frequency of cells with micronuclei was observed in 72% of the patients as compared to that among controls (16.7%). Percent frequencies of micronucleated cells were highest in patients in stage III; in older patients; in those with younger ages-at-marriage; who had highest number of pregnancies; and were of low socio-economic status. The test in urothelial cells indicates damage in a tissue, which is not the site where cervix cancer develops. As it utilizes a non-invasive procedure of sampling, if validated it may find use in mass screening of cervix cancer.