An Immunohistochemical Study of p53, Cyclin D1 and Cathepsin D Expression in Sinonasal Tumors

Hur, Jun; Do, Nam Yong; Lee, Do Yong; Choi, Ji Yoon; Cho, Sung Il; Yun, Hyuk Su; Suh, Chae Hong

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various host and tumor parameters, particularly the tumor size and lymph node metastasis have been studied in an attempt to evaluate and decide the optimal treatment of the patients with head and neck carcinomas. Moreover, it has been recognized that prognostic parameters can be useful for the evaluation of biological behaviors of malignancy. The p53 is a tumor suppressor gene and cyclin D1 is a cell cycle regulator, essential for G1 phase progression. Cathepsin D is a lysosomal aspartyl endopeptidase which degrades the extracellular matrix and proteoglycan. But there are still controversy in their clinical meanings in sinonasal malignant tumors. The purpose of this study is to assess the roles of p53, cyclin D1 and cathepsin D in sinonasal tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 27 inverted papilloma (IPs), 5 IPs associated with malignant transformation, and 16 squamous cell carcinoma tissue specimens were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for p53, cyclin D1, and cathepsin D. Clinicopathologic values were compared with the incidence of p53, cyclin D1, cathepsin D expression in sinonasal malignant tumors.
RESULTS
p53/cyclin D1 expressions were increased as tumor progressed and these expressions were statistically significant (p< .05). No significant correlations were found among p53, cyclin D1, cathepsin D and other clinicopathologic factors.
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that expressions of p53, cyclin D1 and cathepsin D may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of sinonasal malignant tumor sequence. Also, it is suggested that p53/cyclin D1 expressions may be useful variables for the prognostic assessment of sinonasal malignant tumors. However, it is not enough conclude so based on this result alone. Further studies, such as using molecular biological techniques, will be required to determine that p53/cyclin D1 expressions are related to the development or prognosis of sinonasal malignant tumors.