P53 immunohistochemical expression in early posttransplant-associated malignant and premalignant cutaneous lesions

BACKGROUND. Current evidence suggests that p53 accumulation is critical to the development of skin cancer in the general population. It is possible, however, that the molecular steps involved in transplant-associated and non- transplant-associated skin carcinogenesis may differ. OBJECTIVE. Our purpose was to examine p53 expression in premalignant and malignant skin lesions from renal transplant recipients (RTRs) in their first 3 years of immunosuppression, as well as in equivalent lesions from immunocompetent normal individuals. METHODS. p53 expression was examined by routine immunohistochemical methods using the anti-p53 monoclonal antibody DO7. RESULTS. p53 immunoreactivity was more prevalent in dysplastic epidermal keratoses and cutaneous carcinomas from RTRs than in equivalent lesions from nontransplant controls. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences, however, only in premalignant skin lesions (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION. This study demonstrates that accumulation of p53 protein is frequently encountered in both premalignant and malignant skin lesions of RTRs, and that this may occur as an early step in transplant-associated skin carcinogenesis.