K-ras and p53 mutations and overexpressions as prognostic factors in female rectal carcinoma

Background The present study was undertaken to determine the prognostic sig nificance of K-ras, p53 and bcl-2 in female rectal carcinoma. Materials and Methods. The mutations in K-ras and p53 genes were analysed using SSCP and direct sequencing The expression of K-ras, bcl-2 and p53 proteins was dete rmined immunohistochemically. Results. Mutations of K-ras and p53 genes wer e detected in 12% and 38% of the rumours, respectively. The prevalence of K -ras overexpression was 67%. Kras mutations were not associated with surviv al. However, more favourable survival was observed for patients with K-ras over expression than with normal expression (adjusted hazard ratio from Cox model 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8). Mutation or over expression of p53 were not as sociated with survival. Conclusions. It may be possible, that the mutations and protein overexpression of K-ras and p53 in female rectal carcinoma hal e differ ent clinical impact on patient survival as suggested in previous s tudies concerning colorectal carcinoma of both sexes.