Prognostic impact of p16 and p53 gene expressions in stage 1a epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is rarely detected at stage 1a. Most of the patients have a good prognosis and there are limited factors that affect their survival. In the present study, we evaluated the p16 and p53 gene expressions of stage 1a EOC patients. Prognostic effects of these gene expressions, as well as those of other factors on short term survival were analyzed.

Methods: Our study included 29 patients. The specimens of the ovary with cancer were stained for p16 and p53. Gene expressions and other prognostic factors were evaluated.

Results: The median age of the patients was 51 years (27-84). The mean numbers of dissected pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes were 27 and 12, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 33.7±18.9 months. During this period, recurrence occurred in two patients. One of the patients had grade 2 mucinous carcinoma and died of the disease at month 12 after the recurrence occurred at month 7. The second patient had clear cell carcinoma and recurrence occurred at month 34. p16 and p53 gene expressions or other factors were not associated with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival in the short term. The lower p16 positivity rate in the non-clear cell group was found to be statistically significant (P=0.003). Both p53 and p16 positivity rates were higher in the high-grade carcinoma.

Conclusion: The levels of none of the common prognostic factors, including those of p16 and p53 gene expression, were associated with the progression-free survival or OS of stage 1a in the short term. Appropriate surgical staging and non-omission of subclinical metastases seem to be of central importance.