Is the p53 Gene Mutation of Prognostic Value in Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Resection?

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Abstract
THE CELLULAR wild-type p53 gene on chromosome 17p is an established tumor suppressor gene.1,2 It regulates the cell cycle of DNA repair and synthesis, as well as programmed cell death. Once it mutates, loss of the normal function leads to the evolution of neoplasms; the speed of tumor growth and invasion may also be enhanced. When mutated, this gene may have transforming properties and be stained immunohistochemically.3-9 Its prognostic significance in some types of human cancer has been reported. The relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and overexpression of the mutant p53 gene have been studied in different countries.2-7,9-17 The results have varied. In addition, structural anomalies in the p53 gene were found in advanced but not in early HCC.18,19