PROGNOSTIC-SIGNIFICANCE OF P53 MUTATIONS IN SMALL NON-CLEAVED CELL LYMPHOMAS

We have assessed the prognostic significance of mutations in the p53 t umor suppressor gene in patients with small non-cleaved cell lymphomas . In this retrospective pilot study we have, been able to evaluate the response to therapy of 21 previously untreated patients. Seven of the se patients (33%) had tumors which contained a p53 mutation at present ation. Five of the 7 patients with mutant p53 relapsed and 4 died of p rogressive disease whereas none of the patients with wild type p53 rel apsed and none died of progressive disease. These preliminary results strongly suggest that the presence of a mutated p53 gene is an unfavor able prognostic factor. p53 mutations could be used as a parameter in risk-adapted therapy protocols, or could even provide an appropiate ta rget for therapy.