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p53 expression in cytologic specimens from benign and malignant breast lesions
H Koutselini1, A Malliri, J K Field
1Cytopathology Department, Evagelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Anticancer Research
|July 1, 1991
Summary
p53 gene expression is abnormal in most infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas detected via Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). This immunocytochemical assay is a simple method for detecting p53 in breast lesions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The p53 gene plays a crucial role in tumor suppression.
- Aberrant p53 expression is implicated in various cancers, including breast cancer.
- Immunocytochemistry offers a method to detect protein expression in cytologic samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of the p53 gene in cytologic specimens from benign and malignant breast lesions.
- To evaluate the utility of immunocytochemical assays for p53 detection in breast aspirates.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical assay utilizing the p53 (pAb421) monoclonal antibody.
- Analysis of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) smears from breast lesions.
Main Results:
- Abnormal p53 expression was observed in 19 out of 40 FNA smears of infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas.
- p53 expression was negative in 38 out of 39 cases of benign breast conditions (fibroadenomas, fibrocystic disease, nipple discharge).
- No significant correlation was found between p53 staining and disease stage, tumor size, or nodal status.
Conclusions:
- Immunocytochemical detection of p53 is a feasible method for differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions.
- p53 gene expression abnormalities are common in infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas.
- The assay is a simple tool for detecting p53-associated proteins in breast pathology.