Immunohistochemical Analysis of the p53 Protein in Colorectal Cancer: A Clinicopathological Study

The role of p53 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) was investigated in this immunohistochemical analysis of 110 CRC patients. The study aimed to explore the relationship between p53 expression and clinicopathological features, such as tumor grade, size, lymph node involvement, and molecular subtypes. The mean age of patients was 52.6 years, with a higher prevalence in men (60.7%). Tumor grades were balanced, with 12.9% in grade 1, 13.6% in grade 2, and 12.9% in grade 3. The majority of patients exhibited low to moderate p53 expression, with a mean of 32.58%. Higher p53 expression correlated with larger tumor size and more advanced stages. Notably, p53 overexpression was associated with lymph node involvement, suggesting its role in metastasis. The study also examined molecular markers, such as BRAF and KRAS mutations, and found their association with p53 expression. Microsatellite instability was present in 21.4% of cases, with implications for treatment decisions. The findings highlight p53 as a key marker in CRC progression, with potential prognostic value for personalized treatment strategies. Further studies, including survival analysis, are necessary to fully understand the clinical impact of p53 expression in CRC.