p53 DO-1 immunohistochemical overexpression in premalignant and malignant cervical lesions

One hundred-fourteen cervical lesions, including paraffin sections from benign, premalignant and malignant cervical tissue specimens were examined immunohistochemically for overexpression of p53 protein, using the p53 DO-1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). p53 overexpression was observed in 66% of premalignant cervical lesions and in 90% of invasive squamous cell carcinomas. The difference in p53 positive lesions of premalignant and malignant cervical lesions was statistically very significant (p < 0.001) and the difference between CIN1 and CIN2 and CIN3 statistically significant (p < 0.01). Our results indicate that p53 overexpression may be involved at an early stage in cervical carcinogenesis.