Prognostic significance of serum p53 protein and p53 antibody in patients with surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head Neck. 2001 Apr;23(4):286-91. doi: 10.1002/hed.1032.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims at investigating the prognostic values of serum p53 protein and anti-p53 antibody in patients undergoing surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: Serum p53 protein and anti-p53 antibody concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 75 patients with HNSCC and 28 healthy controls. In 28 patients, formalin-fixed tumor tissues were also available for immunohistochemical staining by an anti-p53 DO7 monoclonal antibody. The results were correlated with the clinicopathologic parameters.

Results: The mean preoperative serum concentration of p53 protein in patients with HNSCC was significantly higher than healthy controls (59.45 pg/mL vs 16.4 pg/mL, p =.007). Preoperative serum p53 antibody was present in 23 (31%) patients and was present in one healthy control. Eighteen (62%) tumor tissues showed p53 overexpression by immunohistochemistry. The presence of serum anti-p53 antibody before operation was associated with a significantly higher incidence (65%) of nodal metastasis compared with 27% nodal metastasis in patients with absence of serum anti-p53 antibody (p =.002).

Conclusion: Preoperative serum p53 antibody was a significant prognostic factor for nodal metastasis of HNSCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / blood*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / blood*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53