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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
p27(kip1) immunoreactivity correlates with long-term survival in pleural malignant mesothelioma
M Bongiovanni1, P Cassoni, P De Giuli
1Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Background:
Pleural malignant mesothelioma (PMM) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor, whose development is strictly related to occupational exposure to asbestos. The prognosis of PMM is generally poor (median survival, 4-12 months), but a few have a relatively long survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the cell cycle-related proteins p27(kip1) and MIB-1 as prognostic indicators of survival in PMMs.
Methods:
Of 621 PMMs, the authors selected 27 cases with a relatively long-term survival (> 24 months) and a control group of 36 PMMs having a shorter (usual) survival (< 24 months).
Results:
The expression of the p27(kip1) was significantly higher in the long-term survival group compared with the control (short survival) group (81.41% vs. 31.94%; P < 0.0001). The PMMs of epithelioid histotype had a significantly higher p27(kip1) immunoreactivity compared with those of biphasic type (59.24% vs. 38.94%; P = 0.02). In agreement with the data in the literature, the proliferative activity (as detected by MIB-1 immunoreactivity) was significantly higher in short than long survival PMMs (43.53% vs. 14.11%; P < 0.0001) and in the biphasic histotype than in the epithelioid type (43.19% vs. 26.02%; P = 0.006).
Conclusions:
The combined expression of high/low p27(kip1) and low/high Ki-67 values identified with 100% specificity and sensitivity long versus short survivors. p27(kip1) represents a reliable additional predictive factor for PMMs and a useful marker to identify patients having a more favorable prognosis.
Insights
High p27(kip1) expression and low MIB-1 activity predict longer survival in pleural malignant mesothelioma (PMM). These cell cycle markers offer reliable prognostic indicators for PMM patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Pleural malignant mesothelioma (PMM) is an aggressive asbestos-related cancer with poor prognosis.
- Identifying reliable prognostic indicators is crucial for patient management and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic value of cell cycle-related proteins p27(kip1) and MIB-1 in PMM.
- To determine if these markers can predict survival duration in PMM patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of p27(kip1) and MIB-1 expression in 63 PMM cases (27 long-term survivors, 36 short-term survivors).
- Immunohistochemical assessment of protein expression and correlation with patient survival and tumor histotype.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher p27(kip1) expression in long-term survivors (81.41%) vs. short-term survivors (31.94%).
- Higher p27(kip1) immunoreactivity in epithelioid PMM compared to biphasic type.
- Increased MIB-1 (proliferative activity) in short-term survivors (43.53%) vs. long-term survivors (14.11%).
- Higher MIB-1 expression in biphasic PMM compared to epithelioid type.
Conclusions:
- Combined high p27(kip1) and low MIB-1 expression accurately identified long-term survivors with 100% specificity and sensitivity.
- p27(kip1) is a reliable predictive factor for PMM prognosis.
- These markers can help identify PMM patients with a more favorable outlook.
