Objective: In order to study the interrelation between p53 mutation, Mdm2 overexpression and pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas.
Methods: Forty-five pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas were investigated for expression of Mdm2 protein and p53 mutation using immunohistochemical techniques and PCR-SSCP. The findings were correlated with the clinicopathological features of carcinomas.
Results: (1) Mdm2 protein overexpression (62%, 28/45) and p53 mutation (51%, 23/45) are a common event in pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas (P < 0.05). (2) Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between Mdm2/p53 coexpression and lymph metastases (66%, 10/15) was observed (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The coexistence of Mdm2 protein and p53 aberration in a subset of pulmonary carcinomas may be indicative of a gain of function phenotype with more aggressive characteristic.