Wilms Tumor Gene (WT1) and p53 expression in endometrial carcinomas: a study of 130 cases using a tissue microarray

With the exception of ovarian serous carcinoma, Wilms tumor suppressor gene (WT1) expression in common gynecologic carcinomas has not been described in detail. We studied a large number of endometrial carcinomas to determine the range of tumors that express WT1; this could have prognostic and therapeutic significance.

We studied the immunohistochemical expression of WT1 and p53 in 130 primary human endometrial carcinomas of various histological subtypes, grades, and stages using a tissue microarray. The clinical data were retrieved from the medical records.

WT1 was expressed in a wide variety of endometrial cancers and was most marked in malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMTs) (70% positive). WT1 expression was significantly correlated with high histological grade, and there was a trend toward a worse clinical outcome for patients whose tumors expressed WT1. An association between expression of WT1 and p53 and between these and outcome was noted in a univariate analysis, but only stage and p53 status remained prognostically significant independent variables.

WT1 is expressed in appreciable numbers of endometrial cancers, particularly MMMTs. These findings support further investigation of WT1 as a possible therapeutic target in gynecologic malignancies.