p53 analysis in gallbladder cancer: comparison of gene analysis versus immunohistochemistry.

Background: The survival of gallbladder cancer (GC) patients is generally poor. Both after resection and palliative procedures, additive therapy is often administered to increase outcome. The effect of cytotoxic therapies depends on a functioning p53 gene. The aim of this study was to investigate whether p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) or p53 gene sequencing are of any survival influence in GC.

Patients And Methods: In 61 GC patients, 19 were resected and in 42 operative explorations were performed. Seven resected and 14 palliated patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. IHC p53 staining and DNA sequencing was investigated.

Results: p53 sequencing detected 20 mutations and no relationship was found between IHC and sequencing results. After resection chemotherapy increased survival in those having a normal p53 gene compared to those having a mutation (p=0.008). p53 status did not show an influence in resected patients without chemotherapy or in palliative-treated patients regardless of their therapy.

Conclusion: p53 protein overexpression does not correlate with p53 gene mutation. Response to chemotherapy in resected GC patients may depend on a functioning p53 gene.