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The role and prognostic significance of p53 gene alterations in breast cancer

  • William L. McGuire Memorial Symposium
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Summary

Alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most frequent genetic changes found in breast cancer, with an incidence reported in a range of 15 to 50%. The incidence of p53 alterations is approximately 15% for in situ carcinoma, while for invasive node-positive disease it is 2 to 3 times higher. This high rate of alteration suggests that the gene plays a central role in the development of breast cancer.

The p53 gene functions as a negative regulator of cell growth. Alterations in the gene lead to loss of its usual negative growth regulation and more rapid cell proliferation. Since p53 alteration can reflect a more advanced state of progression and a higher rate of proliferation, breast tumors that have a p53 alteration could have a greater probability of having micrometastasis. p53 alterations could therefore be a prognostic factor for recurrence after primary local therapy. Consistent with this hypothesis, several independent studies using different methodologies have found that breast tumors with altered p53 have a worse prognosis and are also more likely to have other poor prognostic factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Medical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, 78284-7884, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Richard M. Elledge, Suzanne A. W. Fuqua, Gary M. Clark, Pascal Pujol & D. Craig Allred

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  1. Richard M. Elledge
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  2. Suzanne A. W. Fuqua
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  3. Gary M. Clark
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  4. Pascal Pujol
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  5. D. Craig Allred
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Elledge, R.M., Fuqua, S.A.W., Clark, G.M. et al. The role and prognostic significance of p53 gene alterations in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Tr 27, 95–102 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00683196

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