Correlation between proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p53 protein expression and 5-year survival rate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prognostic significance of p53 protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.


METHODS
This study included 79 patients who had received treatment and regular follow-up for at least 5 years at a single institute. We used immunohistochemistry staining to assess p53 protein expression and PCNA labeling index (LI). Analyses were conducted on the association between each of the 2 biomarkers and pathological subtypes, TNM stage, the presence of locoregional recurrence, and 5-year survival rate.


RESULTS
p53 protein nuclear staining was positive in 49 patients (62%). The mean PCNA LI was 55.6%, ranging from 3.35% to 92.9%. High PCNA LI (>55.6%) might contribute to higher 5-year survival rate, but it did not reach statistical significance (P = .09). Positive p53 protein staining and low PCNA LI were associated with the presence of locoregional recurrence. No statistical significance was found between p53 protein expression and PCNA LI and pathological subtypes and TNM stage.


CONCLUSIONS
p53 protein and PCNA LI were not an ideal prognostic indicator in predicting 5-year survival rate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Future work will direct toward searching for other potential biomarkers with the hope to reinforce prediction of prognosis.
Wang
Ling-Feng
LF
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Chai
Chee-Yin
CY
Kuo
Wen-Rei
WR
Tai
Chih-Feng
CF
Lee
Ka-Wo
KW
Ho
Kuen-Yao
KY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53