Expression of deltaNp63 in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3533-9.

Abstract

Background: The p63 gene is present as two isoforms, namely TAp63 and deltaNp63. The biological role of deltaNp63 in the progression of esophageal cancer is still controversial.

Patients and methods: The expression of deltaNp63, as well as that of p63, was immunohistochemically examined in 61 resected specimens of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Results: The incidences of a positive deltaNp63 expression were 32 and 64% in carcinomas with and without adventitial invasion, respectively, and 37 and 65% in those with and without lymph node metastasis, respectively (p<0.05). The prognosis was significantly better in the positive deltaNp63 group than in the negative group (p<0.01). However, a multivariate analysis revealed deltaNp63 not to be an independent prognostic factor. Regarding p63, diminished expression was more frequently observed in advanced carcinomas, however, there were no statistically significant differences.

Conclusion: The impaired deltaNp63 reflects the progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Disease Progression
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phosphoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Trans-Activators / biosynthesis*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • TP63 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins