[Gene p53 mutation and prognosis in bladder tumors].

The choice of treatment for bladder tumors is based on pathological criteria, i.e. staging and grading mainly. It has recently been observed that genetic alterations that involve activation of oncogenes and inactivation of suppressor genes can occur during tumorigenesis. p53 protein is coded for by a genes on chromosome 17, and is able to suppress malignant transformation and proliferation; it can be important in maintaining the integrity of DNA, when damaged during neoplastic disease. We have analyzed samples of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder of 60 patients managed by conservative treatment; all the specimens have been stained for p53 protein. We could observe that the presence of the protein p53 is correlated with staging and grading and is associated with an increased risk of relapse and progression. Patients with transitional-cell carcinoma confined to the bladder that demonstrates nuclear p53 reactivity should be considered for protocols of adjuvant treatment.