The significance of alterations in p53 expression in gynaecological neoplasms

Current interest in abnormalities of the p53 gene and the abnormal expression of its protein is no less in gynaecological cancer than in the study of neoplasms of other sites. Knowledge of normal p53 gene function (particularly with regard to the regulation of apoptosis) and its derangement through mutation or the influence of viruses is contributing to our understanding of pathogenesis. However, despite the burgeoning amount of new data, critical assessment shows that the required consistency in findings that may have direct clinical application (in terms of prognosis for example) is proving elusive.