The aim of this study was to determine whether p53 is helpful in making the decision to undergo
cystectomy in T1, G3
transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, by prospectively comparing the p53 status of bladder biopsies with the histology and p53 status of the corresponding
cystectomy specimens. From January 1996 to August 1997, 38 consecutive patients with T1G3 TCC at 6 different centres were enrolled into the study. Bladder biopsies and
cystectomy specimens were examined with three different
antibodies against p53. The p53 status of each bladder biopsy was compared with p53 status, tumour stage and grade of the
cystectomy specimen. An independent evaluation of the histology and immunohistochemistry was carried out by two pathologists. 15 of 38 patients (39%) were found to have a higher tumour stage in the
cystectomy specimen compared with the staging by transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR-B). 3 patients did not show
residual tumour in the
cystectomy specimen. No differences in p53 positivity were noted between the different
antibodies. 14 of 31 evaluable tumours (45%) were p53 positive at the time of the TUR-B. p53 staining of the TUR-B specimen did not correctly predict the
residual tumour in the
cystectomy specimen. We, therefore, concluded that compared with standard histopathology, the p53 status of the TUR-B specimen does not provide additional relevant information with regard to local tumour staging and, thus, is not helpful in making the decision for or against a
cystectomy.