Expression of p53 Protein in Prostate Carcinoma and its Correlation with Gleason Grade

Objectives; To determine the correlation of p53 expression with Gleason score in prostate cancer. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore; from January 2014 to August 2016. Methodology: Thirty-seven samples of prostate carcinoma were graded using Gleason grading system. p53 expression was detected through routine immunohistochemical staining protocols and assessed semi-quantitatively using four-point scale score. The collected data was analysed statistically using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Out of a sample of 37, high grade tumours were observed in 21 (57%) cases, making them the most prevalent type; while, p53 positive nuclear staining was observed in 26 (70%) cases. Within the high grade tumours, strong positive p53 expression was observed in 8 (38%) tumours; while, overexpression of p53 protein was seen in 7 (33%) cases. In contrast, overexpression of p53 was absent in low grade tumours. Conclusion: A statistically significant correlation was observed between p53 positive expression and high Gleason grade.