Immunoexpression of p53 and COX-2 in basal cell carcinoma

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2018;59(4):1115-1120.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a variety of cutaneous carcinoma associated with an excellent prognosis because it rarely metastasizes, but it can cause significant local destruction and morbidity if surgical excision is not made. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in 51 BCCs, nodular and infiltrative subtypes, with various Clark levels. The immunoexpression of p53 was identified in 74.5% BCC cases and COX-2 reactions in 88.2% of cases. The scores of p53 reactions revealed significant differences depending on Clark level and borderline significance with tumor type, the high positive scores being associated to infiltrative tumors and high Clark level. No differences were revealed between COX-2 scores with both Clark level and tumor type. The analysis of the percentage values of p53 and COX-2 indicated a positive linear correlation. The positivity of p53 and COX-2 in a large proportion of BCCs, regardless of histological type and of depth of invasion, supports the two markers involvement in tumor progression.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology*
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Cyclooxygenase 2