The prognostic value of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 protein expression in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
p53 protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were not ideal prognostic indicators in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Further investigation in searching for other potential biomarkers is needed to enhance the prediction of treatment outcome.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prognostic significance of p53 protein and PCNA expression in patients with advanced NPC.


METHODS
This study included 46 patients with advanced NPC who had received treatment and regular follow-up for at least 5 years. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to assess p53 protein expression and PCNA labeling index, and correlate them with pathological subtypes, TNM stage, the presence of locoregional recurrence, and 5-year survival rate.


RESULTS
p53 nuclear staining was positive in 32 patients (69.6%). All cases had positive PCNA nuclear staining with labeling index (LI) ranging from 6.5% to 92.9% (mean 53.4%). Only advanced T stage was found to be associated with high PCNA LI. Overexpression of p53 and PCNA LI had no impact on 5-year survival in this study group.
Wang
Ling-Feng
LF
Department of Otolaryngology, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
Chai
Chee-Yin
CY
Kuo
Wen-Rei
WR
Tai
Chih-Feng
CF
Lee
Ka-Wo
KW
Ho
Kuen-Yao
KY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53