Prognostic value of immunohistochemically detected p53 expression in vulvar carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Overexpression of the p53 protein has been reported to correlate with poor prognosis in several types of tumors. To the authors' knowledge, there are no studies concerning the prognostic value of p53 protein overexpression in squamous cell vulvar carcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty-five cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage I-II were examined for p53 protein overexpression using immunohistochemistry. The correlation of p53 protein overexpression with clinical stage, histologic grade, and overall survival was investigated. Follow-up ranged from 36 to 120 months.

RESULTS

Clinical stage and histologic grade did not correlate with p53 protein overexpression. p53 protein overexpression was associated with poorer overall survival (log rank: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Immunohistochemically detected p53 protein overexpression is significantly correlated with a reduced overall survival rate for patients with vulvar carcinoma.