[The expression of p53 and c-erb-2 in transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney pelvis and ureter and its relation to tumor progression and survival].

Objective: To evaluate P 53 and c-erb-2 overexpression as a prognostic factor for progression and survival in patients with renal pelvis and ureter tumors.

Methods: Retrospective review of the medical records and pathology/immunohistochemical reports of 61 patients who underwent surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial tumors. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using the STREPTAVIDIN-BIOTIN-PEROXIDASE techniques with a LASAB kit (DAKO). Pearson's Chi square for 2 x 2 contingency tables and residues analysis were used for non continuous variables, with a confidence level of p < 0.05. COX multivariate analysis and survival curves were used for multiple variables association.

Results: A higher P 53 overexpression was related with tumour dependent death (p < 0.001). These patients have their long term survival compromised. C-erb-2 overexpression is not statistically related to either proliferation or cancer specific death in upper urinary tract urothelial tumors.

Conclusions: In our series P53 overexpression has prognostic value in upper urinary tract urothelial tumors, but c-erb-2 did has not prognostic value.