p53 immunohistochemistry for distinguishing reactive mesothelium from low grade ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the utility of immunohistochemical staining for p53 in cell block material for distinguishing reactive mesothelium from borderline or low grade ovarian carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN:

Paraffin-embedded cell blocks from paracentesis and pelvic wash fluid of 44 cases of ovarian carcinoma and 20 cases containing only reactive mesothelium were immunostained for p53 using monoclonal antibody DO-7. Tumor grades ranged from borderline to high grade and were serous papillary (33), clear cell (3), mucinous (2), endometrioid (2), mixed serous papillary/clear cell (3) and undifferentiated (1). The three authors independently evaluated the staining, including estimation of the percentage and intensity of positive nuclear staining.

RESULTS:

A separation of positive from negative cases was seen when staining intensity was considered the critical parameter; moderate to strong staining was considered truly positive. Seventy-three percent (8/11) of borderline tumors, 80% (8/10) of low grade tumors and 65% (15/23) of intermediate to high grade tumors showed moderate to strong positivity. Percentage of staining was a less-reliable parameter as 25% of negative cases were positive by this assessment.

CONCLUSION:

p53 Immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal antibody DO-7 combined with standard morphologic evaluation, may be useful in distinguishing benign reactive mesothelium from borderline or low grade ovarian carcinoma.

• Authors: J A Pindzola, A J Kovatich, M Bibbo
• Journal: Acta cytologica (Acta Cytol) 2000 Jan-Feb Vol. 44 Issue 1 Pg. 31-6 ISSN: 0001-5547 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 10667156 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Ascitic Fluid (chemistry)
• Carcinoma (chemistry, pathology)
• Cell Nucleus (metabolism, pathology)
• Cytodiagnosis (methods)
• Epithelial Cells (chemistry)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Ovarian Neoplasms (chemistry, pathology)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 (analysis)