Purpose: Tumor markers TP53 and Ki67 are currently common labels used in the diagnosis of bladder cancer throughout the world. In light of the co-existence of both WHO1973 and 2004 classifications for bladder cancer, it is necessary to establish different quantification standards for both labels to better cater for the grading and staging.
Methods: We investigated the immunohistochemical profiles of 280 bladder cancer samples classified under WHO 2004 standards. TP53 was scored semi-quantitatively whilst Ki67 was scored by label index.
Results: We found that expression of TP53 was not correlated to either grade or stage, a finding that doesn't agree with most of the literature. Expression of Ki67 was correlated with grade and stage. Expressions of TP53 and Ki67 were correlated with each other. Interestingly, Ki67 expression was higher in females.
Conclusion: The expression of TP53 could be modified to better suit the WHO 2004 classification.