P53 is a tumor suppressor gene, that is present in all normal cells on Chromosome 17. It
is very important molecule in the control of cancer formation in the cancer cycle. Mutation in P53 results in the loss of P53 function and progression of cells into cancer cells. This form of P53 is called “mutant” form. The mutant form is stained by Immunostaining and its presence can be evaluated
In gastrointestinal disease, P53 is overexpressed in many pre-neoplastic conditions. Its presence indicates that the “early” step toward cancer progression did happen and careful follow up is recommended
:Barrett’s esophagus and P53
It is considered of great importance to performed P53 Immunostaining in Barrett’s with intestinal metaplasia. It documents (by molecular biology techniques) the presence of dysplasia and its overexpression can be evaluated for cases that may progress to high grade dysplasia and to carcinoma
Gastric intestinal metaplasia and P53: in cases of gastric intestinal metaplasia, the progression into carcinoma is usually preceded by dysplasia. However, morphologic assessment of dysplasia is subjective and the need for molecular staining parameter, has emerged to find that P53 overexpression is associated with dysplasia and more chance of progression into carcinoma
:Ulcerative colitis and P53
Dysplastic changes in ulcerative colitis are better assessed by P53 overexpression . The ones that express P53 are the ones that have more chance to develop carcinoma of the colon
In summary, P53 is a molecular marker, and it is the first to be lost in cancer control, can be measured in the tissue samples in cases of high risk for carcinoma. Careful follow up of these cases will lead to discovery of selective cases that may require elective surgery to prevent cancer formation
We, in the First Medical Laboratory, are dedicated to bring the best of laboratory medicine to medical practice to Jordan
Dr. Hussam Abu-Farsakh
American Board of Anatomic & Clinical Pathology, and Cytopathology
Circular: is a periodic circular that distributed to clinician informing them about new and important tests available at First Medical Laboratory. All information listed are supported by recent literature