p53 expression in Wilms' tumor: a possible role as prognostic factor

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Pathology
• Cancer Genetics

Background:

• Wilms tumor (WT) is a pediatric kidney cancer.
• The prognostic significance of p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations in WT is not fully understood.
• Previous studies suggest a correlation between p53 mutations and anaplasia in WT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and prognostic significance of p53 expression in Wilms tumor.
• To determine the association between p53 expression, tumor histology, and patient survival.
• To identify specific p53 gene mutations in WT cases with altered p53 expression.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from 21 WT patients.
• Categorization of tumor histology based on the presence of anaplasia (unfavorable histology).
• Correlation analysis of p53 expression with tumor stage, anaplasia, and patient survival.
• PCR/SSCP and DNA sequencing to analyze p53 gene mutations in selected cases.

Main Results:

• Seven out of 21 (33%) Wilms tumors showed positive p53 expression.
• p53 positivity was significantly correlated with the presence of anaplasia (unfavorable histology).
• p53 expression was also significantly associated with poorer patient survival.
• A specific base change (CGG --> TGG) in codon 282 of exon 8 of the p53 gene was identified in an immunopositive tumor.

Conclusions:

• p53 expression is a potential prognostic marker for poor outcome in Wilms tumor.
• The presence of p53 is closely associated with unfavorable histology, specifically anaplasia.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of p53 in WT pathogenesis and progression.