Objective： To investigate the status of p16 gene in primary transitional cell carcinoma of bladder(TCCB).Methods： A total of 40 TCCB samples with correspondent tumor-adjacent specimens were screened for p16 gene deletions

mutations and hypermethylations by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR)

single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and PCR-based methylation analysis

respectively. Results： Among 40 TCCB samples

7 deletions ， 3 mutations and 9 hypermethylations were detected

and their rates were 17.5%

7.5% and 22.5%

respectively. However

no deletions

mutations or hypermethylations were found in all the tumor-adjacent tissues.Conclusion： The abnormal alterations of p16 gene may play an important role in the carcin ogenesis of TCCB.