P53 PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN HUMAN BREAST-CARCINOMA - LACK OF PROGNOSTICPOTENTIAL FOR RECURRENCE OF THE DISEASE

Mutations of the p53 gene are now known to be one of the most commonly detected genetic defects among human cancers. Because of its stabilit y, the mutant p53 protein can be detected by immunohistochemical metho ds. Overexpression of the mutant p53 protein has been suggested as a p rognostic indicator for the recurrence of breast cancer. Using a monoc lonal antibody to p53, formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded breast cancer tissues retrieved from up to 10 years storage in the archival files w ere processed for staining. A total of 125 cases was examined. p53 ove rexpression was identified by brown nuclear staining. Clinical paramet ers studied included estrogen and progesterone receptors, tumor size, nodal status, obesity, stage, and histopathological grade. The only si gnificant association seen for p53 overexpression was with negative es trogen and progesterone receptors. All other clinical parameters studi ed were independent of p53 overexpression. Thus, p53 overexpression do es not appear to be a useful prognostic indicator for recurrence and s urvival in human breast cancer.