Evaluation of methods to detect p53 mutations in ovarian cancer

Objective: The p53 status is increasingly regarded as a marker predictive o f response to particular cancer therapies, but for this approach it is self -evident that the p53 status must be determined correctly. Methods: We have tested ovarian cancers with single-strand conformation polymorphism analys is (SSCP), immunohistochemical staining with DO-1 anti-p53 antibody (IHC), and yeast p53 functional assay (FASAY). Results: These techniques commonly used to detect p53 mutations showed important differences in their sensitiv ity. Of 53 tumors tested with three indirect techniques, 27 (50%), 33 (62%) and 41 (77%) were positive by SSCP, IHC, and FASAY, respectively. In a sub set of 32 tumors strongly suspected of containing mutations, 25 (78%), 26 ( 81%), 29 (91%) and 30 (94%) were positive by SSCP, immunostaining, DNA sequ encing and yeast assay, respectively. Conclusions: Under comparable routine conditions, the FASAY reached the highest sensitivity. Since no single tec hnique detected all mutations, we recommend the use of at least two differe nt techniques in situations where the p53 status will affect patient manage ment. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.