Evaluation of the value of p53 protein expression in the extra-capsular extension of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to identify the nuclear expression of the p53 protein in prostate cancer and to determine its relationship with clinico-pathological variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research included 83 patients, 43 of whom are patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy and a control group of 40 patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate in whom a transurethral resection or a transvesical prostatectomy was undertaken. In all cases the nuclear expression of p53 protein was evaluated. A hystopatological evaluation of the tumour characteristics and the data of the local progression of the cancer were undertaken in the research group. RESULTS The results show that the expression of the p53 protein does not have an important correlation with the preoperative PSA, but that it is in direct correlation with the malign potential of the cancer (Gleason score, Gleason sum, primary tumour) and with the features of the disease (metastatic lymph nodes, stage of the disease). CONCLUSION p53 protein could be used as a valid biomarker in determining the malignant potential of the tumour and the prognosis of the disease. There is no practical use in predicting the extraprostatic extension.