Expression of p53 protein in borderline epithelial ovarian tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 39 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression of p53 protein in borderline ovarian tumors and its correlations with the clinicopathological parameters.


METHODS
p53 protein was detected by immunoperoxidase in 79 ovarian tumors (39 borderline, 20 malignant, 20 benign). p53 expression was compared to histological type, FIGO stage, age, presence of ascites, recurrence and patient survival.


RESULTS
The median value of quantitative p53 immunopositivity was: 0.80+/-0.42 in ovarian cancers, 0+/-0.24 in borderline tumors and 0+/-0.16 in benign tumors (p=0.001). In borderline tumors, no correlation existed between p53 expression and the histological or clinical parameters. In malignant tumors, no correlation existed between the expression of p53 and patient survival.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no correlation between p53 immunopositivity and clinicopathological parameters in carcinomas and borderline tumors of the ovary. p53 immunopositivity may help in distinguishing borderline tumors from ovarian cancers.
Darai
E
E
Service de Gynécologie, hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
Walker-Combrouze
F
F
Mlika-Cabanne
N
N
Feldmann
G
G
Madelenat
P
P
Scoazec
J Y
JY
D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000032:analysis*
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53