Significance of p53, p27, Ki-67, E-cadherin, and HER2 expression in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

The study investigated the expression and the clinicopathological significance of p53, p27, Ki-67, E-cadherin, and HER2 in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) from Tunisian patients. We performed a retrospective study of 66 UTUC. Main clinicopathological features were reported. The expression of p53, p27, Ki-67, E-cadherin, and HER2 was investigated by immunohistochemistry on whole tissue section.

Expression of p53, Ki-67, p27, E-cadherin, and HERE2 was reported in 36.4%, 69.7%, 90.9%, 100%, and 0% of cases, respectively. p53 expression was associated with stage (p = 0.001), positive surgical margin (p = 0.005), and shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS; Log Rank test, p = 0.026). Ki-67 and p27 expression was associated with stage (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and grade (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Using Kaplan-Meier test, the positive surgical margin was associated with shorter RFS compared to free surgical margin (Log Rank test, p = 0.031). Moreover, in univariate Cox regression analysis, surgical margin (p = 0.041; HR 0.325, 95% CI 0.110-0.956) and p53 expression (p = 0.035; HR 0.328, 95% CI 0.116-0.925) were the significant factors associated with RFS.

Together, our findings suggest that positive surgical margin and p53 expression were potential prognostic factors of UTUC since both were associated with shorter RFS in Tunisian patients.

Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. 2020 Sep 15*** epublish ***

Nabiha Missaoui, Ahlem Bdioui, Atika Baccouche, Oussema Belkacem, Wissem Hmida, Moncef Mokni, Sihem Hmissa

Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan University, Kairouan, Tunisia. ., Pathology Department, Farhet Hached University Hospital, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia., Pathology Department, Sahloul University Hospital, 4002, Sousse, Tunisia., Urology Department, Sahloul University Hospital, 4002, Sousse, Tunisia.