High frequency of microsatellite instability and its substantial co-existence with and mutations in Vietnamese patients with colorectal cancer.

Tumor heterogeneity and resistance to chemotherapy have been recognized as two major obstacles in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Microsatellite instability (MSI) and and mutations are common diagnostic factors that have been widely used to classify CRC for therapeutics. In the present study, 151 patients with CRC were analyzed from the two most populous ethnic groups of Vietnam, Kinh and Muong, for their MSI status, frequency of and mutations, and their clinical implications.