부산대학교 도서관

Background: Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene (also known as TP53) often leads to the synthesis of p53 protein that has a longer than normal half-life. Mutant p53 protein that accumulates in tumor cell nuclei can be detected by means of immunohistochemical staining techniques. Serum antibodies directed against p53 protein (p53-Abs) have been detected in some cancer patients. Purpose: We assayed serum samples from 80 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for the presence of p53-Abs, and we evaluated potential associations between the presence of these antibodies and other histopathologic and clinical features. Methods: Serum was collected from each patient at the time of diagnosis. In addition, tumor biopsy specimens were obtained before the initiation of treatment. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect p53-Abs. The accumulation of p53 protein in tumor cell nuclei was assessed immunohistochemically by use of the anti-p53 monoclonal antibody DO7. Patient treatment consisted of radiotherapy alone, primary chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, or surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Relapse-free and overall survival from the beginning of treatment were estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method; survival comparisons were made by use of the logrank statistic. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with surv ival. Reported P values are two-sided. Results: Fifteen (18.8%) of the 80 patients had p53-Abs. Tumor cell nuclei in 43 (58.9%) of 73 assessable biopsy specimens exhibited strong p53 immunostaining. Patient treatment method and the accumulation of p53 protein in tumor cell nuclei were not associated with increased risks of relapse or death. In univariate analyses, advanced tumor stage (>T1 [TNM classification]) and the presence of p53Abs were significantly associated with an increased risk of death (P for trend = .007 and P = .002, respectively), whereas advanced tumor stage, substantial regional lymph node involvement (>N1), and the presence of p53-Abs were associated with an increased risk of relapse (P for trend = .002, P = .02, and P