Prognostic-significance of p53 mutations in small non-cleaved cell lymphomas

We have assessed the prognostic significance of mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene in patients with small non-cleaved cell lymphomas. In this retrospective pilot study we have, been able to evaluate the response to therapy of 21 previously untreated patients. Seven of these patients (33%) had tumors which contained a p53 mutation at presentation. Five of the 7 patients with mutant p53 relapsed and 4 died of progressive disease whereas none of the patients with wild type p53 relapsed and none died of progressive disease. These preliminary results strongly suggest that the presence of a mutated p53 gene is an unfavorable prognostic factor. p53 mutations could be used as a parameter in risk-adapted therapy protocols, or could even provide an appropiate target for therapy.