The prognostic value of p53 immunostaining in node-negative breast carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
P53 plays a key role in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, and angiogenesis. Although some studies have reported as prognostic factor for poor survival in node-positive breast cancer, controversy about possible prognostic index for node-negative still exists.


OBJECTIVE
To look for correlations between the expression of the p53 protein and clinicopathological parameters, and to assess its prognostic value in node-negative invasive ductal breast carcinoma.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 71 node-negative breast carcinomas in Songklanagarind Hospital. Data were analyzed with respect to tumor size, estrogen receptor, and survival.


RESULTS
P53 mutations were found in 12 patients (17%). Expression of p53 was not associated with tumor size, estrogen receptor, and overall survival. Mean follow-up time was 164.4 months (median 163 months).


CONCLUSIONS
P53 expression was not a significant prognostic factor for survival in node-negative breast carcinoma.
Soontrapornchai
Prinya
P
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.
Chanvitan
Apinop
A
Koontongkaew
Sittichai
S
Sunpaweravong
Somkiat
S
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D016158:Genes, p53; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013534:Survival
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen