Immunohistochemical expression of p53, p21, p16, and cyclin D1 in superficial bladder cancer. A tissue microarray study

Introduction and objectivest: To retrospectively assess the relationship between immunohistochemical expression of p53, p21, p 16, and cyclin D1, with recurrence, progression and survival in superficial bladder cancer. Methods: 163 patients undergoing transurethral resection for superficial bladder cancer between February 1995 and March 2004. Tumor samples were included in a tissue microarray support that was serially sectioned for immunohistochemical staining. Grade and stage associations for each marker were evaluated by the Chi-square test. Assessment of the relationship with recurrence, progression, and survival Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were used. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in marker expression depending an tumor grade and stage, with the exception of Cyclin D1, that was significantly different depending on tumor stage (p=0.030). p21 expression was related to tumor recurrence (p=0.035), progression (p=0.008) and survival (p=0.034). p16 expression was also related to recurrence (p=0.048) and survival (p=0.047), but not to tumor progression (p=0.116). p53 and Cyclin D1 were not statistically associated with tumor recurrence, progression or survival. Conclusions: In our experience, only p16 and p21 may be useful in the management of superficial bladder tumors, as they are predictors of recurrence and survival in Ta and T1 patients.