Conspirators in a Capital Crime: Co-deletion of p18INK4c and p16INK4a/p14ARF/p15INK4b in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most dreaded cancer diagnoses due to its poor prognosis and the limited treatment options. Homozygous deletion of the p16(INK4a)/ p14(ARF)/p15(INK4b) locus is among the most common genetic alterations in GBM. Two recent studies have shown that deletion and mutation of another INK4 family member, p18(INK4c), also drives the pathogenesis of GBM. This minireview will discuss the known roles for p18(INK4c) in the initiation and progression of cancer and suggest opportunities for future studies. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8657-60]