Background: Both p21(WAF1) and p27(KIP1) have been reported as prognostic markers predicting biochemical failure for prostate cancers. We examined the expression and prognostic significance of p21(WAF1) and p27(KIP1) in organ-confined (pT2) prostate cancer patients.
Methods: The medical records of 53 pT2 prostate adenocarcinomas were analyzed retrospectively. Radical prostatectomy specimens were stained using anti-p21(WAF1) and anti-p27(KIP1) antibodies. Biochemical relapse was defined as 2 consecutive elevations in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level > 0.2 ng/mL with an interval of more than 3 months. The prognostic significance of p21(WAF1) and p27(KIP1) expression was assessed.
Results: p21WAF1 immunoreactivity was found in 19 patients (35.8%). Twenty-nine tumors (54.7%) had decreased p27(KIP1) expression. Both markers were not associated with Gleason scores (p = 1.00 for both). At a median follow-up of 49 months, 15 patients (28.3%) experienced biochemical recurrence. Both p21 and p27 had no prognostic significance in log-rank test (p = 0.98 and p = 0.64, respectively).
Conclusion: p21(WAF1) and p27(KIP1) expression have no role in predicting biochemical relapse for stage pT2 prostate cancers.