Mitochondrial DNA genotyping reveals synchronous nature of simultaneously detected endometrial and ovarian cancers

Abstract

Simultaneous independent primary tumors of the female genital tract occur in 1-2% of gynecological cancer patients, 50-70% of which are synchronous tumors of the endometrium and ovary. Guidelines for determining the nature of simultaneously detected tumors, based on surgical and histopathological findings, are often ambiguous and may require further molecular analyses. Such approach is necessary to indicate correct prognosis and hence treatment. We here demonstrate how mitochondrial DNA sequencing may provide a cheap and useful tool to contribute to indisputably recognize the synchronous nature of simultaneously detected endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. We further confirm our findings by means of Comparative Genomic Hybridization array analysis, which strengthens the informative potential of mitochondrial DNA genotyping in diagnosing synchrony.