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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
p53 Protein expression in squamous cell carcinomas from sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed sites
Background:
In sun-exposed nonmelanoma skin cancers, observation of specific p53 gene mutations implicate the role of UV radiation-induced mutations in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Immunohistochemical p53 protein overexpression and p53 gene mutation have been frequently considered related events.
Objective:
We investigated the differences in p53 immunostaining in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with varying degrees of differentiation, from both chronically sun-exposed and sun-protected sites of the skin.
Methods:
Twenty-six SCCs (15 UV-related and 11 UV-unrelated) and five specimens of Bowen's disease (in situ SCC) from sun-exposed skin were examined by means of BP53-12-1 monoclonal antibody immunohistochemistry.
Results:
p53 Immunoreactivity was observed in 66.7% of sun-exposed, 54.5% of non-sun-exposed invasive SCCs (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.689), and 80% of Bowen's disease specimens. In 50% of all samples, p53 positivity was more prominent in the proliferating periphery of the tumor with gradual loss of positivity as the cells differentiated.
Conclusion:
The reliability of p53 immunohistochemistry needs further molecular genetic studies.
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