The relationships between p53 protein expression and the clinicopathological features in the uveal melanomas

Abstract

Background: p53 alterations are common events in cancer and may have some prognostic ramifications. Objectives: To investigate the uveal melanoma for: 1) the p53 expression patterns, 2) the relationships among p53 expression and clinicopathological features of these lesions. Materials and methods: Using Immunoperoxidase-staining methods and mouse monoclonal antibodies, the expression of p53 protein in 60 uveal melanomas was examined. Results: Based on p53 immunoreactivity, the lesions were divided into two groups: the first group included 9 tumors (15%) and had p53 protein overexpression. The second group included 51 (85%) tumors and was lacking p53 expression. p53 protein overexpression was significantly associated with extraocular extension and vascular invasion ( p values, 0.01 and 0.04).No significant correlation was found between p53 protein expression and the clinicopathologic features of these lesions Conclusions: p53 protein overexpression occurs in the uveal melanoma and may be associated with some unfavorable histological features (invasion).