title: The p53 tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer.
abstract: Alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most common genetic changes found so far in breast cancer, suggesting that the gene plays a central role in the development of the disease. p53 functions as a negative regulator of cell growth, and alterations in the gene lead to loss of this negative growth regulation and more rapid cell proliferation. A number of independent groups using different methods of detection have shown that p53 alterations are associated with more aggressive tumor biologic factors and a poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. Because of its possible role in the regulation of apoptosis and response to DNA damage, p53 status could also be a predictive marker for response to hormonal or chemotherapy.
authors: Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7884.
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: Elledge
authors: D C
authors: DC
authors: Allred
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002455:Cell Division; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis