Evaluation of c-ras oncogene product (p21) in superficial bladder cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study is the evaluation of the prognostic importance of p21 protein in superficial bladder cancer.


METHODS
One hundred and fourteen patients with an initial diagnosis of monofocal bladder cancer (stage Ta-T1) following TUR were investigated. On the tissue removed by TUR, besides the usual pathological evaluation, an immuno-histochemical investigation was carried out in order to ascertain the presence of c-ras oncogene product (protein p21). The actuarial curves concerning the time free from the first recurrence were computed, comparing different subgroups in regard to protein p21 presence, grade and stage of the tumour.


RESULTS
The analysis of the results shows the importance of tumour stage as a predictor of recurrence, as well as that of the presence of c-ras products. This last factor increases the risk of recurrence almost 2-fold, in the same time lag, for c-ras-positive patients (p < 0.001). The prognostic significance of c-ras is independent of stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data underline the possibility of acquiring important information on the prognosis of superficial bladder cancer patients, pointing out the significance of c-ras oncogene product.
Fontana
D
D
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Italy.
Bellina
M
M
Scoffone
C
C
Cagnazzi
E
E
Cappia
S
S
Cavallo
F
F
Russo
R
R
Leonardo
E
E
D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D015689:Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D015689:Oncogene Protein p21(ras)