Immunohistochemical expression of p53, p63, c-myc, p21WAF1/cip1 and p27kiP1 proteins in urothelial bladder carcinoma: correlation with clinicopathological parameters

Purpose: To reevaluate the expression levels of p53, p63, c-myc, p21(WAF1/cip1) and p27(kiP1) proteins and their potential association with standard clinicopathological parameters, including tumor stage and grade, in urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed in 100 transurethral resection specimens obtained from prospectively identified patients with primary UBC. Results: Overall, 26, 41 and 75% of the cases showed positive staining for p53, p63 and c-myc, respectively, while p21(WAF1/cip1) and p27(kip1) expression levels were altered in 75 and 88% of the cases, respectively. Positive staining for p53 was associated with increased tumor stage (pT2) (p=0.037), while altered expression of p27(kiP1) was strongly associated with male gender (p=0.009). Conclusion: The results of our study imply that p53 overexpression may be a useful marker of tumor invasion in UBC. In contrast, we failed to demonstrate any statistically significant correlation between the remaining markers evaluated and tumor stage or grade.