[Expression of p16 and p16 beta in squamous epithelial carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus: differences in regulation dependent on kind of tumor and histology]

Abstract

The high frequency of homozygous p16 deletions in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and the relative lack of this event in adenocarcinoma demonstrates obvious differences in the pathogenesis of these two entities. Especially the high frequency of homozygous p16 deletions in squamous cell carcinoma supports the hypothesis of tumorinitiation and promotion by exogenous carcinogens for this tumor type.