ras Oncogene p21 expression is increased in premalignant lesions and high grade bladder carcinoma

ras Oncogene p21 antigen is present in the most superficial cells of the normal bladder urothelium, as demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. The pattern and intensity of p21 staining of cells in epithelial hyperplasia and low grade bladder carcinoma were similar to that seen in the normal urothelium. In contrast, epithelial cells in "premalignant" (dysplastic) lesions and high grade carcinomas exhibited an intense staining reaction for p21 antigen. ras p21 may be a useful marker for the malignant potential of both premalignant lesions and carcinomas of the bladder.