Tumor markers in stage P1 bladder cancer.
BACKGROUND
The infiltration of muscularis mucosa in superficial bladder cancer has been reported to be predictive of an unfavourable course of the disease.


METHODS
We studied immunohistochemically Ki-67, PCNA and p53 tumour markers in 68 P1a and Pib bladder tumours.


RESULTS
A statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) was found in the distribution of grades between stages P1a and P1b, with more grade 3 and less grade 2 tumours in the latter category. Univariate analysis revealed a strong association of Ki-67 (p = 0.001) and PCNA (p = 0.032) only with stage. P53 protein expression did not have any significant association with either stage or grade. In 60 patients entered into the multivariate analysis a clearly predominant, significant effect of stage on Ki-67 (p = 0.000) was shown.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased proliferative activity when compared to P1a is present in P1b bladder tumours, as detected by the increased expression of Ki-67 proliferating antigen. The immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 antigen may help in predicting stage P1 tumours' behaviour, even in cases where pathological distinction of P1a and P1b substages is difficult.
Stavropoulos
N E
NE
Department of Urology, Hatzikosta General Hospital, Makriyianni Ave., Ioannina 45001, Greece. nstavrop@otenet.gr
Ioachim
E
E
Charchanti
A
A
Michael
M C
MC
Kitsiou
E
E
Mihailidis
I
I
Hastazeris
K
K
Agnantis
N J
NJ
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000032:analysis*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53