Prognostic significance of p53, bcl-2 and EGFR in carcinoma of the endometrium

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the part played by several parameters in the prognos is of patients with endometrial carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty imprint smears from fresh endometrial tumor specimens were studied immunocytochemically for the expression of p53, bcl-2 and epid ermal growth factor receptor. Also, the presence of estrogen receptor (EX) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the tumor tissue was measured. The data o btained were related to survival, and associations were sought between the parameters studied. RESULTS: Strong associations were found between advanced stage, high grade, lymph node metastases at diagnosis, nonendometrioid histology and p53 expr ession with poor survival. Bcl-2 expression was associated with good five-y ear survival. ER expression was associated marginally with good five-year s urvival, but PR expression was not. A strong association was found between p53 and advanced disease, stage and lymph node metastases at diagnosis. An association between EGFR positivity and survival was not found. CONCLUSION: p53 Expression of uterine tumors is an independent and strong i ndicator of poor prognosis. Even patients with stage I and II disease at su rgery who have p53-positive tumors must be considered at high risk.