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Expression of ras oncogene p21 protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Author(s) -
Ruol Alberto,
Stephens Janet K.,
Michelassi Fabrizio,
Segalin Andrea,
Chiarelli Silvia,
Peracchia Alberto,
Skinner David B.,
Little Alex G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930440304
Subject(s) - medicine , esophageal squamous cell carcinoma , oncogene , basal cell , cancer research , oncology , protein expression , carcinoma , gene , cancer , cell cycle , biology , genetics
In order to investigate the value of ras oncogene expression as a prognostic indicator in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, we evaluated the level of ras oncogene protein product (p21) in 52 specimens resected between 1977 and 1986. All patients were followed until death or for at least 2 years. Pathology slides and archival paraffin blocks were retrieved for confirmation of the original diagnosis, study of histopathologic features, and measurement of p21 content. P21 titers were obtained using the RAP‐5 monoclonal antibody in a semiquantitative immunohistochemical assay. Titer was expressed as the highest dilution of antibody giving definitive staining using the avidin‐biotin peroxidase method. Ras oncpgene was expressed in 88.5% of the specimens. We did not find a significant correlation between ras expression and any of a variety of clinical and histopathologic prognostic parameters. Although patients' median survival after resection of specimens with ras oncogene expression was less than half the median survival after removal of tumors without such expression, this difference was not statistically significant. Further prospective investigations are needed to assess the role of ras oncogene evaluation in clinical practice.