[The expression of p53 and c-erb-2 in transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney pelvis and ureter and its relation to tumor progression and survival].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate P 53 and c-erb-2 overexpression as a prognostic factor for progression and survival in patients with renal pelvis and ureter tumors.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the medical records and pathology/immunohistochemical reports of 61 patients who underwent surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial tumors. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using the STREPTAVIDIN-BIOTIN-PEROXIDASE techniques with a LASAB kit (DAKO). Pearson's Chi square for 2 x 2 contingency tables and residues analysis were used for non continuous variables, with a confidence level of p < 0.05. COX multivariate analysis and survival curves were used for multiple variables association.

RESULTS

A higher P 53 overexpression was related with tumour dependent death (p < 0.001). These patients have their long term survival compromised. C-erb-2 overexpression is not statistically related to either proliferation or cancer specific death in upper urinary tract urothelial tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series P53 overexpression has prognostic value in upper urinary tract urothelial tumors, but c-erb-2 did has not prognostic value.